Seat Guests Faster: 7 Strategies to Optimize Your Table Turnover

Create a QR Menu

Restaurant success in today’s large dining culture depends on optimizing table turnover. Using QR menus is one effective way to accomplish this. Let’s explore the two main advantages that change the game for QR menus.

First, customers can forget about waiting for waitstaff to deliver the menu! Instead, they can quickly view the menu by scanning the QR code using their smartphones. This ensures they have a good dining experience in addition to saving them time. As soon as they take a seat, customers can start reading the menu, saving them time and the effort of calling a waiter.

Secondly, customers can speed up the ordering process by pre-making decisions with QR menus. Often, customers reach at a restaurant with a certain dish they want to have in mind. Their phone’s menu is easily accessible, so they can prepare the order by selecting the items they wish and be ready when providing the order to the wait staff. This allows the restaurant to efficiently serve more customers by speeding up the ordering process and cutting down on time the waiters spend to capture orders.

Use an Online Table Reservation System

As a restaurant owner, one of the best feelings is seeing guests walk into your restaurant. However, if they exceed your table’s capacity, you’ll struggle to manage them effectively. This implies that some guests will have to wait and that’s not the best impression to give your customers. In fact, some may leave due to the poor customer experience and increased waiting times. And that’s where an online table reservation system comes in handy.

There are two ways in which a table reservation system can help optimize table turnover. First, customers can select the time slot within which they want to reserve a specific table (e.g., from 1pm to 1:45 pm). When the time elapses, the next customer who reserved the table is ready to occupy it. This awareness reduces chances of overstaying and ensures guests are ready to occupy tables on time.

Secondly, you can view customer reservations and plan accordingly. For instance, if the table bookings show a high footfall during the lunch hour, you can implement proactive measures like ensuring there is adequate staff during that period to facilitate faster table turnover and enhance service levels.

Simply put, an online table reservation system enables you to stay on top of your bookings and plan your day better by forecasting possible wait times. This system allows customers to book tables in advance. Since the reservations are limited to the available slots, there is no possibility of multiple customers booking the same table at the same time slot. This eliminates the chances of confusion and ensures that all guests have a spot when they need it.

Let Customers Order Only Drinks Themselves

Ordering drinks is a simple process so this can be the first step for a restaurant to start digitizing their ordering process. Consumers usually know exactly what they want to drink, and the options are usually straightforward. Drink orders made with QR codes make the process easier to understand overall. Consumers don’t need to deal with any complex decisions that require the waiter, so they can simply scan a QR code, and make their choice. This can help you turn tables faster, accommodating more customers in the long run.

Because customers frequently require refills or might wish to try new drinks while at the restaurant, drinks are a great option for QR code ordering. A handy way to reorder is by using a QR code. This means the waitstaff initially collects the table orders manually before leaving a QR code, which the customers can scan to reorder more drinks. This option is crucial for restaurants that do not want to lose the “human touch” in their customer experience. In fact, it can help strike a balance between delivering human experience and innovation. In the end, customers experience the passionate customer service by waitstaff while enjoying a fast and smooth way to reorder drinks. This can significantly boost table turnover.

Allow Customer Ordering Only for Remote Tables

Let’s now discuss the idea of QR code ordering for tables, particularly those that are far from the action in the restaurant. Table ordering for every table in a restaurant that has a lot of tables – say, 50 – might seem like a big step to take. There is a sensible method to adapt to this shift gradually, though.

Restaurants can use table ordering gradually rather than completely overhauling the dining place. Picture a restaurant where tables are arranged sporadically throughout the space, perhaps on an upper level or an outside area. Tables that are far from the dining area, where servers would take longer to arrive, can first have QR codes installed gradually.

Restaurants can avoid having to immediately revamp their entire ordering procedure by following this step-by-step approach. They can test out QR code ordering in particular areas so that employees and clients can gradually get used to it. This targeted shift allows the restaurant to see how it will affect productivity and customer happiness while also making the change easier to handle.

The flexibility offered by using QR code ordering for remote tables is what makes it so attractive. Before implementing the method in other locations, restaurants can evaluate the modifications, get input, and make necessary adjustments. This flexibility guarantees an easier transition and lets the restaurant adopt technology in a manner that works for its needs.

Allow Customers to Order and Pay

Let’s now discuss another strategy, which is about giving clients the opportunity to pay for their meals right away when placing an order. Consider this: picture yourself at a café where you place your order and pay at the same time, doing away with the need to settle the bill later.

In certain cafés and bars, customers are required to pay for their orders at the time they place them. This implies that you order your meals or beverages and pay when submitting the order. It’s comparable to what happens at a café, when handling the payment up front speeds up and simplifies the procedure overall.

You don’t have to wait for the check or worry about making the payment after your meal thanks to the option of instant payments. In cafes and other similar situations where streamlining the client experience is the aim, this can be extremely helpful. It’s like ordering coffee to-go in that you just need to order, pay, and then you can start eating without having to take any further action.

Essentially, this strategy gives customers an additional option; it doesn’t replace the conventional method of paying later. While some would wish to pay in the end, others can prefer to settle the account immediately. It all comes down to offering customers the freedom and opportunity to make payments however best fits their needs.

Enforce Mandatory Upfront Payments on Table Ordering

Increase table turnover at your restaurant by implementing a mandatory table ordering system with prepayment. This novel technique not only reduces waitstaff reliance, but also frees them up to focus on other critical tasks. You can make this process easier by allowing customers to design the system to require clients to settle their payments in advance.

The transition to table ordering with prepayment options benefits both customers and businesses. Customers can enjoy a more time-efficient dining experience by eliminating the need to wait for menus, place orders, or pay bills during their visit. Instead, customers may easily manage the ordering process ahead of time, freeing up their time to enjoy their meals when they arrive. From a business perspective, this technique optimizes resource allocation by allowing restaurants to better estimate and manage daily demand, lowering the danger of overstaffing during slack periods and guaranteeing a consistent and efficient workflow.

Allow Ordering with Open Table Tab and Payments

Optimizing table turnover rate is about finding processes that take time and accelerating them. One of the processes that take time is making table payments in a traditional restaurant setting. Customers often lack the flexibility of paying for their table orders at their convenience. In fact, in most cases, guests finish their meal and must wait for some time before they can settle their bill through the waitstaff, especially during peak hours. This negatively impacts table turnover. But how? Well, the next customer cannot be seated because the current guest is waiting to settle the bill. This not only reduces table turnover but also leads to customer frustration. And that’s where open table tab and payments come in.

With open table tab and payment, your customers do not need to wait for waitstaff to pay their bill. Instead, they can pay their bill online at any time and leave the premise as soon as they wish. This facilitates faster table turnover by freeing tables on time and accommodating more guests within a specific time.

Optimize Your Restaurant Layout

The dining space layout has a significant impact on your table turnover rate and operational efficiency. For example, if the route from the seating area is cluttered and winding, it will slow down your servers, resulting in delayed service delivery. Therefore, it’s essential to design your floor plan in a way that is easy to navigate and functional yet adds sophistication to your space. This way, you can optimize table turnover.

Implement a Simple and Short Menu

When customers walk into your restaurant, they shouldn’t spend a lot of time going through your menu. Instead, they should take the shortest time possible to navigate your menu and still find their desired meals or drinks. To achieve this, you must design your menu in a way that is simple and straightforward to minimize confusion and the time it takes customers to find their preferred meal. This saves time, enhances operational efficiency and increases table turnover, as it enables customers to make simple and quick decisions.

Train Your Staff for Efficiency

Customers are not the only ones who determine table turnover. In fact, servers, hosts, kitchen staff, and cashiers, among other staff members play a critical role in enhancing your table turnover. If they’re inefficient in their work, they will delay the table turnover. Therefore, it is essential to train your staff and establish timelines and processes to ensure staff efficiency. This way, your staff will be able to seat customers faster, increasing table turnover.

Dynamic and Interactive QR Menus

GonnaOrder’s revolutionary QR menu solution transforms the dining experience by seamlessly integrating technology to improve efficiency and convenience for both customers and restaurant owners. The software allows restaurants to simply generate dynamic QR code menus that customers may scan with their smartphones. This digital menu system not only replaces traditional paper menus, but it also allows for real-time updates, guaranteeing that customers always have access to the most recent items, pricing, and promotions. The QR menu solution from GonnaOrder supports a touchless and streamlined dining experience, allowing restaurants to adapt to new customer preferences while streamlining operational operations.

A Powerful Table Ordering System

GonnaOrder provides a cutting-edge table ordering system that reimagines the eating experience for customers. GonnaOrder, which uses innovative technology, allows customers to place orders immediately from their tables using their cellphones. Customers may easily browse the menu, modify their selections, and submit orders using a user-friendly interface. This simplified method not only improves the overall eating experience by reducing wait times, but it also gives customers more control over their orders. The table ordering solution connects smoothly with restaurant POS systems, allowing for more effective order handling and reduced error risk. GonnaOrder’s revolutionary approach to table ordering not only increases customer pleasure but also gives restaurants a great tool for optimizing service and operational efficiency.

Seamless Payment Mechanism

GonnaOrder’s revolutionary technology alters the payment experience by providing a secure and convenient option for customers to settle their bills. The platform implements a smooth mobile payment system that allows customers to execute purchases straight from their cellphones. Customers can easily make payments, divide bills, and even leave tips using GonnaOrder’s secure payment system. The use of numerous payment options guarantees flexibility, allowing for a wide range of consumer preferences. GonnaOrder improves productivity for both clients and restaurant personnel by minimizing dependency on traditional payment methods and establishing a streamlined digital payment process. This innovative payment method not only increases overall client happiness but also helps to a more efficient and contemporary dining experience.

GonnaOrder presents a cutting-edge “Pay Later” option that improves the flexibility of dining transactions. Customers can enjoy the comfort of deferring their purchases to a later time with this innovation, enabling them to focus more on enjoying their dining experience rather than worrying about how they will pay the bill.

GonnaOrder’s Pay Later feature combines smoothly with the platform’s digital ordering and payment system, allowing customers to pay at their leisure, whether after the meal or at a predetermined time. This not only accommodates a wide range of consumer preferences, but also contributes to a more comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. GonnaOrder’s Pay Later service seeks to improve the overall eating experience while giving individuals more control over their payment timelines by integrating current technology with a customer-centric approach.