The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Software The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

While walk-ins once dominated That’s where this guide comes in. Our Restaurant reservation on-premise dining, the rise of guide helps you cut through the noise reservations technology has gradually and find the best restaurant reservation shifted the restaurant landscape. system for your specific business. With systems have become Now, diners are no longer content reviews of each of the top reservation to wait in line for a table when they systems (including our own), we’ll could simply make a reservation that highlight all the need-to-know information. essential to running a would guarantee their spot – especially during peak business hours. In each review, you’ll find: A basic overview of each of the At the same time, reservation systems successful restaurant. top restaurant reservation systems have allowed restaurants to offer an Each system’s strengths and weaknesses elevated level of customer service, Software pricing and other fees ensuring more customers leave with The ideal reservations solution for a positive dining experience and each type of restaurant servers end up with healthy tips. In addition to reviews of each reservation system, But while it’s clear that there are many we’ve also included: benefits to using a reservation system in A comparison chart featuring all your restaurant, finding the right system the top reservation platforms can be a major challenge. Not only A buyer’s guide that highlights key purchasing considerations are there dozens of different platforms to choose from, but each one comes with a unique set of features, tools, and services. And if you’re running We know that every restaurant is a busy restaurant, you don’t have unique, and this guide is designed to time to sift through dozens of online help you narrow down your options reviews or sit through lengthy demos and find the best restaurant reservation just to get the information you need. software for your specific venue. 2 3 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Table of Contents

6 TouchBistro Reservations 12 Resy 18 Eat App 24 Tock 30 OpenTable 36 Yelp Reservations

44 Comparison Chart

46 Buyer’s Guide

4 5 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Strengths Though TouchBistro Reservations is one of the newer booking platforms available, the system is already a standout option due to its extensive suite of features. For instance, TouchBistro Reservations features comprehensive floor plan management tools and dedicated server TouchBistro sections so staff can easily keep an eye on the status of each table and ensure Reservations they’re seating guests according to the correct sequence and priority. Some Overview of TouchBistro Reservations’ other key TouchBistro Reservations features include two-way SMS and email is a complete reservation communication with guests, digital waitlist and guest management management through Google Waitlist, platform designed to help automated booking confirmations, post- restaurateurs tailor every dining feedback surveys, and customizable guest experience, while reservation notes that allow staff to keep managing operations track of essential information such as through Google. TouchBistro’s own TouchBistro offers a subscription-only with ease. TouchBistro allergies or dining preferences – tools that discovery network, TouchBistro Dine, pricing model with no per cover fees. Reservations is available to do not come standard with many other is an especially valuable booking This means that you pay the same venues in the U.S., Canada, reservation platforms. Not to mention, all platform because you can customize price each month, regardless of how the U.K., and Mexico, and of this information is synced directly with your restaurant’s profile page with a many reservations are booked and integrates directly with POS thanks to the seamless integration description of your venue, photos, which platforms they’re booked on. the TouchBistro POS for with the TouchBistro POS. and other crucial information such This means that you don’t have to pay seamless operations. as parking and accessibility. extra for important features such as POS Another benefit of TouchBistro integration, waitlist management, or post- Reservations is that you’re able to offer While TouchBistro Reservations’ features dining surveys, and you don’t have to guests multiple booking touchpoints. and booking tools are impressive, perhaps worry about per-cover fees causing your If you use TouchBistro Reservations, the biggest strength of this platform is costs to fluctuate wildly from month to guests can book a table with you through that restaurants get access to all of these month. For many restaurants – especially your restaurant’s website, various public features for one all-inclusive flat rate. independent venues – this predictable, all- discovery platforms, and even directly Unlike many other reservations platforms, inclusive pricing model is a huge plus.

6 7 The Ultimate Guide TouchBistro to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Reservations

Weaknesses Pricing Of course, TouchBistro Reservations isn’t TouchBistro Reservations’ pricing model the right fit for every restaurant. In particular, is best described as subscription-only major restaurant groups and chains may with full features. This means that be limited by the system’s lack of multi- you pay one all-inclusive flat rate, unit management features. For instance, regardless of how many reservations are TouchBistro Reservations’ reporting system booked or which platforms they’re booked does not allow restaurateurs to compare on. In other words, you can expect to pay reservations data from multi-units on one the same price every single month, so you report. While this likely won’t be an issue for don’t need to budget for pricey per-cover restaurants with just a few locations, charges, which can fluctuate dramatically. this could be a drawback if you run multiple different concepts. When compared to other restaurant reservation systems with comparable For restaurants primarily focused on features, TouchBistro Reservations’ driving brand awareness, another potential monthly pricing is on the lower end. For drawback to TouchBistro Reservations just $229 per month, you get access is that it’s still a relatively new booking to TouchBistro’s full suite of features. platform with fewer restaurants listed on This differs from many other reservation its discovery platform than bigger, more systems, which may charge a bit less established brands like OpenTable and Yelp. per month, but lack access to crucial This may be seen as a drawback by some features such as waitlist management, restaurants because it means that your POS integration, or automated feedback venue won’t enjoy access to an extensive surveys. When you take into account these built-in diner network. Though it’s worth crucial features, TouchBistro Reservations noting that some restaurants may actually offers the most bang for your buck of benefit from using a less saturated discovery virtually all the reservation platforms. app because it means diners aren’t sorting through hundreds of restaurant listings in their city, ultimately making it easier for them to find your specific venue.

8 9 The Ultimate Guide TouchBistro to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Reservations The Best Reservation System For: Independent Restaurants

While TouchBistro Reservations may not have the same brand recognition as OpenTable or Yelp, it provides independent Key Takeaways restaurants with everything they need to TouchBistro take reservations, streamline operations, - and enhance the guest experience. This includes important features such All-inclusive flat rate for as waitlist management, two-way the full set of reservations management features with communication with guests, floor plan no per-cover booking fees management, post-dining feedback surveys, optional no-show fees, and more. Comprehensive features for both booking management and enhanced And unlike some of the bigger players customer experience in the reservation space, TouchBistro Reservations is an incredibly easy-to-use, Multiple booking straightforward system that comes at a touchpoints for diners, including your restaurant’s predictable and affordable price. With website, online discovery TouchBistro Reservations, you pay one platforms, and Google flat monthly fee, which means you don’t have to worry about fluctuating per cover Direct integration with the TouchBistro POS fees that can eat into your bottom line. Ultimately, its ease of use and value make Best for independent TouchBistro Reservations the ideal solution restaurants both big for independent restaurants big and small. and small Ready to get started with TouchBistro?

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10 11 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Strengths Though Resy offers a lot of great features, the platform’s biggest strength is the fact that you can customize nearly every Resy aspect of the reservation process. For instance, with Resy, restaurants can Overview offer custom table types like the bar or Resy is a complete patio, and exclusive options for VIPs such reservations platform as the ability to book during specific best known for its time frames. Resy also gives diners customizable features, the option to pre-pay for their meal via which let restaurateurs contactless payments, and even add personalize all aspects of special extras to their purchase, such the reservation process. as wine bottles or cookbooks – features Resy is also well known that are especially useful for different among consumers venue types like wineries and breweries. and boasts a popular discovery platform. Beyond its customizable features, Resy also stands out due to its extensive discovery features. Resy integrates directly with Facebook, Tripadvisor, Airbnb, and other channels, to help get your restaurant in front of new audiences. This is a particularly valuable feature for restaurants in popular tourist destinations where the restaurant space is heavily saturated and competition is fierce.

12 13 13 The Ultimate Guide Resy to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Pricing As mentioned, Resy offers what’s known as tiered pricing with limited features. This means that all of Resy’s packages start with a basic set of reservation management features for one set price. You can then build on this core product by adding (and paying for) additional features.

These packages break down as follows: Weaknesses Basic: $249 per month for Though Resy offers many unique process, all these extra features can reservations, table management, features and customization options, the make the platform more complicated waitlist, and 24/7 support. drawback is that you end up paying a to set up and more difficult for new Pro: $399 per month for everything lot more for all these bells and whistles. staff to learn. For some restaurants, it in the Basic plan, plus 1:1 onboarding When compared to other reservations may not be worth the extra time and and training, customizable guest systems with comparable features, Resy’s expense of training staff to use this kind messaging, customizable post-meal pricing is definitely on the higher end. of comprehensive booking platform. guest surveys, and POS integration. The Basic package starts at $249 and Enterprise: $899 per month for this only gives you access to a limited set Lasty, Resy falls a bit short when it comes everything in the Pro plan, plus of features. This means that if you need to POS integration options. Resy’s Basic unlimited custom reports, API additional features like POS integration plan does not include POS integration, access, and custom reporting. or post-dining feedback surveys, you’re which means you won’t be able to looking at a bill of $399 per month directly sync your booking data with The benefit to Resy’s pricing model is you for Resy’s Pro package, or $899 per your POS system. While this may not be don’t need to pay extra for features you month for the Enterprise package. a dealbreaker for every restaurant, keep might not use. However, the downside in mind that manual transfer of data from is that if you want a specific feature like And even if you can afford Resy’s full Resy to your POS will take up more of your direct POS integration or post-meal suite of features, it’s important to note staff’s time and increase the likelihood surveys, you’re going to need to go up that more is not always better. While of errors – both of which can negatively a pricing tier and pay nearly double the many restaurants will appreciate the impact the customer experience and the price of the Basic package – a cost that option to customize the reservations flow of operations in your restaurant. can be out of reach for many restaurants.

14 15 The Ultimate Guide Resy to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

The Best Reservation System For: Key Takeaways Restaurant Groups Resy With its robust features and endless - opportunities for customization, there’s no doubt that Resy is a perfect option Extensive opportunities for customization, for restaurant groups with multiple including customized locations. Restaurant groups with table types and exclusive access for VIPs various concepts and venue types will particularly benefit from the in-depth Integrates directly with Facebook, Tripadvisor, reporting that Resy offers, as well as the Airbnb, and other ability to customize different aspects channels for enhanced diner discovery of the guest experience, which may

Packages are relatively vary from one concept to the next. expensive for limited features While Resy does offer more affordable No POS integration pricing packages for smaller venues, available with the most basic pricing package the monthly cost is still relatively

Best for restaurant groups high and venues won’t have access with multiple concepts to Resy’s full suite of features that are interested in customizing the booking (including POS integration). For many experience independent restaurants with thin profit margins, paying extra to get the features they need may not be a financially sustainable solution.

16 17 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Strengths Eat App is best known for its partnerships with Google and Tripadvisor. The reservations platform integrates directly with both these platforms, which gives Eat App diners multiple booking touchpoints and makes it easy for more people to discover Overview your restaurant. These integrations Eat App is a cross-platform also allow consumers to make their restaurant reservation reservations directly through Google system based out of the or Tripadvisor without navigating away United Arab Emirates. from those platforms, which can make Though Eat App is already for a more seamless user experience. well established in Europe and the Middle East, Eat App’s other major strength is that the platform is gaining it’s an extremely versatile system. Unlike popularity in North some of the other reservations systems America as a simple on the market that can only be used on and straightforward iOS or Android devices, Eat App offers reservations solution. both iOS and Android manager apps. Eat App can also be managed in a web browser as well. This means you can fully manage all your bookings from whatever internet-connected device you already have on hand – whether that’s a laptop, an iPad, or something else entirely. This not only makes the system easy to set up, but it also allows restaurants to save on the cost of purchasing proprietary hardware.

18 19 The Ultimate Guide Eat App to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Pricing Eat App is a bit unique in that it is one of the few dining reservation management platforms to consistently offer a free two-week trial. For restaurants that may have never used an online booking system before, this free trial can be a valuable way to gauge your need for reservations software.

Weaknesses Though Eat App has many strengths, you still need to pay extra for each of Beyond the two-week trial, Eat App offers one of the biggest drawbacks is that the these integrations. These costs can very three different pricing packages: platform can be somewhat limiting. For quickly add up, ultimately making Eat App Basic: $169/month (or $119/month billed instance, if you opt for the Basic plan, a more expensive reservation solution annually) for limited features and 250 you only get 250 guest confirmations than it may initially appear to be. guest confirmations via text per month. via text per month. While this may seem Pro: $299/month (or $209/month billed like a lot, it breaks down to a maximum Finally, there is one last drawback that annually) for all features and 1,000 guest of about eight reservations per day. may be an issue for some restaurants confirmations via text per month. This means that if you’re booking more and that is the availability of customer Enterprise: Price is available only upon than 250 reservations in a month, you support. As mentioned, Eat App is request for a package that includes all won’t be able to send confirmation texts based out of the United Arab Emirates, features and a custom number of guest and you may end up with a significant which means that all its support teams confirmations via text. number of no-shows. are currently located in Europe and the Middle East. Though the restaurant While Eat App’s Basic and Pro plans Another drawback to Eat App is its does offer chat-based support at all are in line with the cost of most of the pricing model. Though its base pricing times, restaurants in North America other restaurant reservation systems seems relatively reasonable compared will likely have trouble getting phone on the market, it’s important to note to some of the other reservations assistance during typical business hours that neither of those plans includes systems on the market, Eat App charges due to time zone differences. Though POS integration or phone integration. extra for some very valuable features like not this may not be a problem day to If you want to add POS integration it POS integration and phone integration. day, it does mean that when something will cost you an extra $90 per month, Even if you upgrade from the Basic goes wrong, you may end up waiting while adding a phone integration package to a more expensive pricing tier, longer to get the issue resolved. costs an additional $25 per month.

20 21

The Ultimate Guide Eat App to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

The Best Reservation System For: Small Restaurants Though Eat App may have less brand Key Takeaways recognition in North America, the Eat App restaurant software is very popular among - small restaurants in Europe and the Operates via a mobile or Middle East. Part of the app’s popularity web app, meaning restaurants do not need is due to its partnership with Google and to purchase proprietary hardware to use the system Tripadvisor, which can help to give small restaurants greater visibility, especially Direct integrations with Google and Tripadvisor, in popular tourist destinations. Eat App making it easy for diners to is also popular among small venues that discover new restaurants and book tables instantly still rely heavily on phone reservations. With Eat App’s phone integration, the POS and phone integrations are both extra monthly customer’s profile is displayed on the charges on top of the base subscription fees reservation screen when they call, so staff can see exactly who is calling Support teams are based out of the Middle East along with any special diner notes. and Europe, meaning phone support for North American restaurants is If your restaurant only handles a small limited during regular volume of reservations, Eat App’s business hours software should be more than sufficient. Best for small restaurants that only accept a handful However, as soon as you need extra of reservations each day features, such as POS integration or the ability to send more than 250 guest confirmation texts per month, your costs can quickly add up. For restaurants that generally see a higher volume of reservations and are interested in text confirmations, Eat App may be limiting.

22 23 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Strengths Tock was the first reservations system to offer pre-payment features, and it continues to set the standard for what Tock a pay-to-book model can look like. With Tock, restaurants have the option to take Overview reservation deposits upfront or even Tock is a complete sell tickets to special events like a pop- reservations system that up or private party. The option to add was originally launched reservation deposits is a particularly to help restaurants valuable feature for fine dining venues reduce no-shows. Tock’s because it can help to dramatically standout feature is a reduce no-shows, or at least lessen ticketing system that the financial burden of no-shows. allows venues to take reservation deposits Tock’s other major strength is that it can and prepayments. In the support the needs of a wide variety of wake of the COVID-19 food and beverage venues – not just pandemic, Tock has restaurants. For instance, wineries can also added online use Tock to display everyday reservations, ordering and delivery alongside premium tastings, private to its product lineup. estate tours, and even special dinners. Other concepts that may benefit from Tock’s extensive features and its built- in ticketing system include breweries, distilleries, music venues, and more.

24 25 The Ultimate Guide Tock to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Pricing Tock’s pricing is a little bit unique in that the plans revolve around the cost of prepaid reservations.

If you go with Tock, you can choose from one of three pricing models: Plus: $199/month for the full reservations software, plus a 2% fee on all prepaid reservations. Pro: $699/month for the full Weaknesses reservations software, with no While Tock has some of the most all prepaid reservations. Though this fees on prepaid reservations. extensive features of any reservation may seem like a small fee, this can add Enterprise: Pricing is only available system, this isn’t always a plus for up quickly and you could find your bill upon request for a custom package restaurateurs. Tock’s robust system is fluctuating pretty significantly from complete with integrations, live product more than most restaurants will need, month-to-month – fluctuations that not training, a dedicated account manager, especially if you don’t plan to set up every restaurant is able to manage. advanced administrative tools, and prepaid reservations or sell tickets for And while Tock does offer a plan with world-class security. special events. As a result, you may a 0% fee on prepaid reservations, end up spending a lot of time training it will cost you $699 per month. Though Tock’s base pricing is reasonable staff to use complicated features, for the features you get, the fees on when you could get away with a much One last consideration with Tock is prepaid reservations can quickly add more straightforward system. Not to that its user network is significantly up and your monthly cost could end up mention, you could end up paying smaller than some of the big significantly higher than anticipated. for features you don’t even use. reservations players like Resy and OpenTable. While this may not be an It’s also worth noting that if you plan If you are using Tock for prepaid issue for some restaurants, if you plan to use Tock for pickup orders, the reservations, there is another drawback to frequently sell tickets to special company charges a 2% fee on all To to consider. Though Tock is reasonably events or pop-ups, you may not get as Go orders. This is another added cost priced for the number of features you much reach as you would with some to consider, especially when there get, you do have to pay a 2% fee on of the bigger reservations apps. are commission-free online ordering alternatives readily available.

26 27 The Ultimate Guide Tock to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

The Best Reservation System For: Key Takeaways High-End Restaurants Tock and Wineries - If your restaurant is interested in Allows you to set up prepaid reservations or selling prepaid reservations and tickets to special events, there’s ticket sales no question that Tock is the right Built to support different software for your venue. This feature types of food and beverage businesses, including is particularly valuable for high-end wineries, distilleries, restaurants, due to the high food breweries, and more and labor costs associated with no- The base pricing model includes a 2% fee on all shows or last-minute cancellations. prepaid reservations, As a result, it’s no surprise that Tock which may cause monthly costs to fluctuate customers include big-name wineries and some of the finest restaurants Many of the features are more robust and complex in North America, including Per Se, than most restaurants need Eleven Madison Park, and Aloette. Best for high-end restaurants or wineries that want to implement Of course, prepaid reservations are not prepaid reservations or sell the right fit for every restaurant and may tickets to special events even deter some potential customers from making a reservation with you. Depending on the type of restaurant you run, a reservation system with more straightforward features and a more user-friendly interface may be a better fit for both your staff and customers.

28 29 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Strengths Without a doubt, OpenTable’s biggest strength is its diner network and discovery platform, opentable.com. OpenTable According to the company’s website, the platform boasts 31 million diners Overview who book through the platform on a Founded in the late regular basis. This means that if you 1990s, OpenTable is one list your restaurant on opentable.com, of the largest and most you’ll increase your exposure and likely recognizable restaurant attract new diners. reservation systems on the market. Not only While OpenTable’s biggest asset is its does OpenTable offer diner network, the platform also boasts a robust reservation robust set of reservations management management features, but features. With OpenTable, you get access it also boasts extensive to everything you need to seamlessly marketing and reputation manage restaurant bookings, including management tools. table management, guest profiles, waitlist capabilities, comprehensive reports, and more. The platform can also be accessed via iOS, an Android app, or a web-based dashboard, making it easy for restaurant staff to manage bookings on the device of their choice.

30 31 The Ultimate Guide OpenTable These subscription and cover to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems fees break down as follows: Basic: $39/month (or $29/month billed annually), plus a $2.00/network cover fee for bookings made through OpenTable and $0.30/cover for bookings made through Weaknesses the booking widget (or $49 flat fee for While OpenTable was once a pioneer And while you might think that the cost booking widget covers). This package only in the digital reservations space, the is worth it to get access to OpenTable’s includes OpenTable’s basic features. company’s per-cover pricing model extensive diner network, it’s worth Core: $249/month, plus a $1.25/ is beginning to fall out of favor. Unlike considering that there are also drawbacks network cover fee for all of OpenTable’s newer reservations platforms, OpenTable to listing your restaurant on such a popular basic features, POS integration, and charges a network cover fee on any discovery platform. OpenTable is very table management features. reservation made through OpenTable’s heavily populated with restaurants, which, Pro: $449/month, plus a $1.25/network discovery platform. This means that ironically, can make it harder for diners to cover fee for all the Basic and Core restaurants have to pay an extra charge discover your restaurant among a sea of features, as well as advanced relationship on every person who books through choices. And while OpenTable does offer management and marketing tools. the OpenTable app or opentable.com various marketing tools to ensure your – costs that can very quickly add up. restaurant is seen, this will cost you extra. As OpenTable’s pricing notes, the network cover fee is lower if a person makes a The cost of OpenTable is also an issue reservation through an OpenTable widget when you look at what’s actually included Pricing directly on your restaurant’s website. in each plan. Though OpenTable’s Basic OpenTable has generally positioned However, OpenTable has been known plan is very reasonably priced, this itself as more of a marketing channel to buy Google’s ads using keywords for package lacks table management, POS for restaurants, which is why its pricing individual restaurants, thereby diverting integration, waitlist management, dynamic structure is slightly different than that diner traffic to opentable.com, instead of a availability controls, and more. In order of other restaurant reservation systems. restaurant’s own website. This is a process to get access to a more complete set To use OpenTable, you need to pay known as “ad arbitrage” and the result is of features, you have to upgrade to the a monthly subscription fee and a that you may end up paying higher cover next pricing tier. And when you add in network cover fee. The network fees because the diners searching for your the additional cost of all those network cover fee is a charge on each person restaurant are more likely to make their cover charges, this can make OpenTable who makes a booking through booking through OpenTable’s website a very expensive reservations solution. OpenTable’s diner network or app. because it’s the first result they see.

32 33 The Ultimate Guide OpenTable to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

The Best Reservation System For: Key Takeaways High-Volume Restaurants OpenTable With one the oldest and most popular - restaurant reservation apps, there’s no question that OpenTable provides Extensive diner network and popular discovery a great platform to help get your platforms make it easier to reach new diners restaurant noticed. However, all this exposure comes at a cost of high per Robust features, including POS integration for multiple cover fees. As a result, OpenTable is different providers a great choice for restaurants that Lowest tier pricing process an extremely high volume package only includes limited features of customers and won’t be impacted by fluctuating per cover charges. All pricing packages include a per network cover fee, which means High-volume restaurants can also restaurants pay extra fees for each booking benefit from OpenTable’s robust made through OpenTable’s features, including its extensive POS discovery platforms integrations, robust guest profiles, Best for high-volume restaurants that are looking and digital marketing solutions. Of for exposure to new course, not every restaurant will need audiences and can handle fluctuating monthly costs or use all these extensive management features, which is why the cost of OpenTable might not be worth it if you’re looking for a more straightforward restaurant reservations system.

34 35 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Strengths Yelp is a well-established brand that’s Yelp helped hundreds of millions of people find tables, order food, or browse Reservations reviews. Unlike some other reservations platforms, Yelp puts the customer Overview front and center with a user-friendly Yelp Reservations is a highly- interface that makes the booking process rated mobile booking system not just easy, but also enjoyable. For with a customer-centric focus. instance, when diner’s book through Yelp Yelp enjoys strong brand Reservations they can see reviews of the recognition and its booking restaurant from other Yelp users, helping system features a number of them gain more insight as to what they customer-friendly features can expect from their experience. that make it a popular option among diners. Another customer-friendly feature that makes Yelp Reservations a standout booking platform is its digital waitlist. With Yelp Reservations, guests can add themselves to a digital queue at any time. AI-driven algorithms will then predict their wait times and even give guests real time updates about their position in line. Guests can also sign up for a reminder that will notify them as soon as their table is ready – features that can ultimately help to reduce no-shows from waitlist guests.

36 37 The Ultimate Guide Yelp to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Reservations

Pricing Yelp Reservations features a straightforward flat-fee pricing model. Though Yelp now requires you to schedule a consultation to receive a quote, you can expect to pay about $250 per month for Yelp’s full set of reservation and waitlist management features. For an additional Weaknesses $180 per month, you can add on Yelp While Yelp’s customer-centric design needing to pay nearly $200 extra Connect, which helps you customize is one of its biggest strengths, this per month for the company’s suite your Yelp page, increase brand visibility, setup also means that you have to keep of marketing and promotional tools manage photos, and share business a close eye on what your customers (Yelp Connect and Yelp Ads) just to highlights – all tools that are designed to are seeing. For instance, if a couple make your restaurant stand out. help attract more diners to your page. of negative Yelp reviews pop-up, this could dramatically impact the people’s Lastly, Yelp Reservations is a relatively Yelp also offers a more budget-friendly perception of your restaurant and expensive option when you consider software option for venues with small their willingness to make a booking. what you’re getting for the monthly teams, specifically those suffering subscription fee. Unlike other reservations from staffing shortages. Yelp Kiosk Another drawback to Yelp Reservations systems, Yelp offers no phone or payment is essentially a basic waitlist tool that is the difficulty of making your restaurant integrations. Yelp also lacks any access captures the contact info of each diner, stand out on its discovery platform. to partner reservations like Google, and then provides guests with waitlist Because of its popularity, the Yelp Facebook, Instagram, and Tripadvisor, estimations and text notifications. Reservations platform is bloated with which means a lot of your exposure is Though this pared-down platform is thousands of restaurants in each limited to Yelp’s own discovery platform. less expensive than Yelp Reservations, city, all competing for the same set Lasty, some of Yelp’s plans even lack basic restaurants will have to contact Yelp of eyes. As a result, you may end up features like automated feedback surveys. directly for exact pricing details.

38 39 The Ultimate Guide Yelp to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Reservations

The Best Reservation System For: Key Takeaways Restaurants With Yelp Reservations Mostly Walk-Ins - With its extensive diner network, Yelp Reservations is certainly a popular Access to one of the biggest and most popular option among both restaurants and diner networks diners. Of course, this popularity quite Robust waitlist capabilities literally comes at a cost, as many equipped with AI-driven algorithms that can restaurants may need to purchase accurately predict additional marketing and promotional wait times packages just to make their venue Flat, all-inclusive pricing, stand out among the competition. but limited features

High competition on the discovery platform can When you consider the high competition make it difficult for your on Yelp’s discovery platform and its more restaurant to stand out without paying extra for basic set of restaurant management paid promotions features, it’s clear that Yelp’s strength Best for restaurants that really lies in its waitlist management primarily serve walk-ins and need a powerful waitlist features. Ironically, Yelp Reservations management solution is a platform best suited to restaurants that mostly take walk-ins (rather than advanced reservations) due to its AI- backed waitlist features, which help to keep diners informed at all times.

40 41 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

When it comes to choosing a reservations system, ease of use, affordability, and return on investment are the top 3 considerations for today’s restaurateurs.

42 43 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Compare Your Options

TouchBistro Yelp TouchBistro Yelp Reservations Resy Eat App Tock OpenTable Reservations Reservations Resy Eat App Tock OpenTable Reservations Features Any Any Any Online Reservations Google, internet- internet- internet- Hardware iPad Android, or iPad (only with enabled enabled enabled Table Management Core and Pro iPad tablet packages) device device device

Customizable Floor Plan 24/7 live 24/7 live Chat 24/7 live 24/7 virtual Support N/A support support support only support support (only with Waitlist Management Core and Pro packages) Tiered Tiered pricing, (limited reach Flat rate, Tiered Tiered pricing, Flat rate, Discovery Apps outside of the Pricing Structure plus prepaid Middle East) all-inclusive pricing pricing plus per all-inclusive reservations cover fees Google Integration fees Software Pricing $229 / Basic: Basic: $169 Plus: Basic: Pricing avail- Tripadvisor integration month for all $249 / / month $199 / $39 / month able upon features month for (or $119 / month for (or $29 / request (ap- Social Media Integrations (indirect) limited fea- month billed all features, month billed prox. $250 tures annually) plus a 2% annually) / month for (only Pro Guest Profiles packages) for limited fee on all all features, Pro: features prepaid res- Core: plus approx. Reservation Notes $399 / ervations $249 / $180 / month for Pro: month for month for (only with Pro most fea- $299 / Pro: $699/ all features, Yelp Con- Post-Dining Surveys and Enterprise (additional $25 packages) / month) tures month (or month for plus a $1.25 nect) (limited to 250 $209 / all features / network (only with Pro SMS confirma- Two-Way Guest Communication and Enterprise tions per month Enterprise: month billed and no fees cover fee packages) with Basic plan) $899 / annually) for on prepaid Prepaid Reservations or No-Show Fees month for all all features reservations Pro: features $449 / (only with Pro (only with and Enterprise (additional $90 Enterprise: Enterprise: month for all POS Integration / month) Core and Pro packages) packages) Price avail- Pricing avail- features and able upon able upon marketing Reporting request for request for tools, plus a a custom a custom $1.25 / net- package package work cover fee

44 45 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Buyer’s

Guide What are your long- To ensure you end What’s your budget? What type of What kinds of What can you term business goals? up with the perfect When it comes to restaurant do you run? booking touchpoints expect in terms of Your reservations system reservations system reservation systems, Different reservation are available? implementation, should not only support for your restaurant, don’t just budget for systems work better for Some reservations technical support, your current needs, but make sure you take monthly software fees. different types of full systems limit bookings and ROI? also your future goals. the following into Pay attention to each service restaurants. For to their own discovery Find out what you Consider your long- consideration: provider’s pricing instance, fine dining platforms, while others can expect in terms term business plans and structure and make restaurants may look for a offer multiple booking of implementation make sure you choose sure you factor in the system that allows them touchpoints, including assistance and ongoing a reservations platform cost of hardware, to implement reservation website widgets and technical support. that will be able to scale additional features like deposits, while a very Google integrations. Your ROI (return on with you as you grow. POS integration, and casual restaurant may Think about where you investment) is also network cover fees or need strong waitlist want diners to find your important because prepaid reservation fees. management features. restaurant and how you should be thinking easy it will be for them of your reservations to make a reservation. system as a way to bring in more customers, streamline operations, and ultimately boost your restaurant’s bottom line.

46 47 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems Manage Guest Expectations with Table Status Tracking Our reservations software lets you easily keep an eye on table status so you can manage your restaurant’s capacity and keep waitlist guests happy. “Before TouchBistro Reservations, we Reduce No-Shows with Two-Way Why Choose were using pen and Guest Communication paper – it was pretty Two-way SMS and email communication TouchBistro painful. Now, I love automatically remind guests of upcoming being able to have two- reservations and lets them notify you if Reservations? way communication plans change so you can make sure every with customers. table is booked. Reservations is an TouchBistro Reservations is a product invaluable tool and the of TouchBistro – the all-in-one POS Give Every Guest the Star Treatment insights it provides and restaurant management system With Reservation Notes has helped us adjust built just for restaurants. Convert first-time guests into lucrative our seating times regulars with customized reservation so we’re providing TouchBistro Reservations is a complete notes for allergies, dining preferences, the best customer reservation and guest management and special occasions. experience while filling platform that helps restaurants and turning tables as tailor every guest experience while Streamline Operations with TouchBistro’s efficiently as possible.” managing operations with ease. Simplify POS Integration reservations, control capacity, and give Your front-of-house and back-of-house Alex MacDougall Pearl Diver, Toronto, ON every guest the star treatment with teams will be in sync when your POS and TouchBistro Reservations. booking system work together seamlessly. Want to see Maximize Capacity With Multiple Make Smarter Business Decisions TouchBistro Online Booking Touchpoints with Advanced Reporting in action? Fill your tables by accepting bookings Access critical business data in the through your website, various discovery TouchBistro Dine portal, so you can manage Book a Demo apps like TouchBistro Dine, and Google. your business from anywhere, at any time.

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