When you go to a restaurant and have reservations why do they make you wait ?

Question

If you make reservations a day ahead of time and they make you wait another hour what should i do ?who should i talk to?

Answer 1

Talk to the manager.  Clearly they overbooked and that isn't your fault.  Having to wait say 15 minutes while they clear the table is fine but an hour is unacceptable if you booked a reservation.  The manager would likely offer you free drinks or something while you wait given they made the error.

Answer 2

Even with a reservation having to wait up to 15 min’s is the norm. They can’t leave a table empty for the reservation but can put you in the next available table. What if you get a flat tire are you expecting them to hold it for you ... So waiting a small amount of time for your table is expected, but an hour is way over...If its over 30 min’s then I would talk to the manager you may even get a free drink or appetizer out of it. Smile and enjoy life those 30 min’s can be used to talk with your friends you’re having dinner with and look at the menu while waiting...

Answer 3

In a restaurant, when they take reservations, they are only able to make a guess as to how long each party will stay.  On average, most parties of 4 or less will only stay about 45 minutes to an hour.  Parties of 5 - 8 usually stay about an hour and a half to two hours.  It depends on how big the party is, really.

Reservations are taken and times based on the known average length of time different-sized parties usually stay.

But, when reservations are made, there is no way to guarantee that the party before you won't stay longer than average.  Sometimes parties will linger...and linger....and linger.

And there is nothing the waitstaff or manager can do about it.  You can't kick people out just because others are waiting.  That will RUIN your business.

Be patient, get some drinks comped for your trouble, and enjoy your meal when you do finally get to sit down.

Answer 4

You should talk to the manager. Immediately.  Demand to be seated. Obviously they screwed up the reservation or took a walk in ahead of you for some reason.  I would've complained immediately to the manager of the place.