Article

Best Waitlist Software For Your Restaurant

Find the right waitlist software and tools for your restaurant‘s needs.

DISCLAIMER: This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, accounting, tax, HR, or other professional advice. You are responsible for your own compliance with laws and regulations. You should contact your attorney or other relevant advisor for advice specific to your circumstances.

As the restaurant industry continues to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of customer preferences and technology, one area that has seen significant growth is the use of waitlist software. With the rise of online reservations and mobile apps, many restaurants are turning to specialized software to help manage their waitlists. As a result, restaurants are seeing an improvement of overall customer experience.

In this article, we will look at some of the best waitlist software options available in 2023, and discuss the features and benefits that make them stand out in the crowded market.

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Top restaurant waitlist software options

TablesReady
Hostme
Yelp Waitlist
Waitlist.me
LRS Connect platform
Eat App
Nextme

How to choose the best restaurant waitlist software

Before diving into the pros and cons of each restaurant waitlist software, it’s good to consider what waitlist management solutions your business needs. Use this checklist to get an idea of what kind of restaurant waitlist software is right for your restaurant.

Checklist:

Waitlist status
Messaging notifications
Public digital waitlist
Reporting
Self-check-in
Customer database
Easy setup
Automated table status updates
Server rotations
Floor plan import
Reservation system
Waitlist widget for websites
Accurate wait times

TablesReady

TablesReady is a virtual waitlist app and online booking website. With TablesReady customers can add themselves to your waitlist through a variety of ways such as: your website, a kiosk, text message, scanning a QR code, your host, or public digital waitlist.

Pros of TablesReady

Notifications
Self-check-in/check-out
Waitlist status
Reporting

Cons of TablesReady

Requires re-login often
No automatic table status updates
No Toast POS integration
Web-based, no iOS app

Price of TablesReady

$50/month (custom pricing available for enterprise level)

Hostme

Hostme is an Intuitive and Customizable Restaurant Reservation System with features such as waitlist, reservation and table management, server rotation, and CRM for restaurants.

Pros of Hostme

Reservation management
Waitlist widget for websites
CRM & Customer database
Reporting
Texts and sms
Accurate wait times
Online ordering
Table management

Cons of Hostme

Basic version lacks POS integration
Custom branding only possible with the $169/month package

Price of Hostme

$59-$169/month

Yelp Waitlist

Yelp is most known as a hub for restaurant industry reviews by customers regarding their dining experiences. However, Yelp for Restaurants provides solutions such as Guest Manager to book reservations, manage waitlists, and help your front of house.

Pros of Yelp Waitlist

Reservation management
Waitlist management software
Kiosk to handle front-of-house work
POS integration
Restaurant waitlist app (Yelp App)

Cons of Yelp Waitlist

No server synching
No automatic table status updates
No table assignment synching
No Toast guestbook synching

Price of Yelp Waitlist

$99-$299/month (custom pricing option available for 10+ locations)

Waitlist.me

Waitlist.me is a waitlist provider that improves guest experience by sending walk-ins notifications when their tables are ready. Waitlist.me prides itself on being the most straight forward, easiest-to-use waitlist software on the market.

Pros of Waitlist.me

Waitlist status
Self check-ins
Analytics and reporting
Tutorials
Reservations and appointment scheduling
Public waitlist
Text messaging
Customizable notifications

Cons of Waitlist.me

No server synching
No automatic table status updates
No table assignment synching
No Toast guestbook synching
Does not integrate with POS

Price of Waitlist.me

$23.99-$79.99/month

LRS Connect platform

LRS Connect takes a more old-school approach to waitlists, as they still actively offer pagers/buzzers. They emphasize the importance of contactless waiting options and have been around for a while.

Pros of LRS Connect platform

Queue management
Remote check-in
Guest pagers
Public waitlist

Cons of LRS Connect platform

No server synching
No automatic table status updates
No table assignment synching
No Toast guestbook synching
No floor plan
Does not integrate with POS

Price of LRS Connect platform

Pricing varies, call for a quote

Eat App

Eat App is a cloud-based system that provides an all-in-one solution for all your restaurant management needs. Eat App allows your hostesses and restaurant staff to quickly and easily add guests to the waitlist directly through the reservation dashboard without eating up extra time during rush hours.

Pros of Eat App

CRM & guest profiles
Reservation management
Integrates with POS
iOS app available for iPad/mobile
Customizable floorplan
Waitlist status
Accurate average wait times
Text messaging

Cons of Eat App

No server synching
No automatic table status updates
No table assignment synching

Price of Eat App

$0-$239/month

NextME

NextME makes it simple for businesses to manage their waitlists and appointments to serve more customers. Track visits and wait times, engage your guests in real-time with a custom virtual waiting room, and grow your business.

Pros of NextME

Reporting
Digital waitlist
Self-check-in
POS integration
Reservation/appointment booking
Customizable text messaging
Guest loyalty tracking

Cons of NextME

Not built specifically for restaurants
No server synching
No automatic table status updates
No table assignment synching
No Toast guestbook synching
No floor plan

Price of NextME

$0-$125 monthly (enterprise-level custom pricing)

What’s best for your specific business?

Implementing a waitlist software at your restaurant can greatly improve the customer experience and streamline the waitlist process. The days of a crowded waiting room in front of your restaurant are coming to an end. The best waitlist software for your restaurant will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, some top options to consider include Toast Tables, Hostme, and Eat App. Be sure to research and compare these options to find the best fit for your restaurant.

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