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

Restaurant reservation systems have become essential to running a successful restaurant.

2 While walk-ins once dominated That’s where this guide comes in. Our 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 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. 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 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.

3 4 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

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 with ease. TouchBistro allergies or dining preferences – tools that Reservations is available to do not come standard with many other venues in the U.S., Canada, reservation platforms. Not to mention, all the U.K., and Mexico, and of this information is synced directly with integrates directly with POS thanks to the seamless integration the TouchBistro POS for with the TouchBistro POS. seamless operations.

Another benefit of TouchBistro Reservations is that you’re able to offer guests multiple booking touchpoints. If you use TouchBistro Reservations, guests can book a table with you through your restaurant’s website, various public discovery platforms, and even directly

6 through Google. TouchBistro’s own TouchBistro offers a subscription-only discovery network, TouchBistro Dine, pricing model with no per cover fees. is an especially valuable booking This means that you pay the same platform because you can customize price each month, regardless of how your restaurant’s profile page with a many reservations are booked and description of your venue, photos, which platforms they’re booked on. and other crucial information such This means that you don’t have to pay as parking and accessibility. extra for important features such as POS integration, waitlist management, or post- While TouchBistro Reservations’ features dining surveys, and you don’t have to and booking tools are impressive, perhaps worry about per-cover fees causing your the biggest strength of this platform is costs to fluctuate wildly from month to that restaurants get access to all of these month. For many restaurants – especially features for one all-inclusive flat rate. independent venues – this predictable, all- Unlike many other reservations platforms, inclusive pricing model is a huge plus.

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

Weaknesses Of course, TouchBistro Reservations isn’t the right fit for every restaurant. In particular, major restaurant groups and chains may be limited by the system’s lack of multi- unit management features. For instance, TouchBistro Reservations’ reporting system does not allow restaurateurs to compare reservations data from multi-units on one report. While this likely won’t be an issue for restaurants with just a few locations, this could be a drawback if you run multiple different concepts.

For restaurants primarily focused on driving brand awareness, another potential drawback to TouchBistro Reservations is that it’s still a relatively new booking platform with fewer restaurants listed on its discovery platform than bigger, more established brands like OpenTable and Yelp. This may be seen as a drawback by some restaurants because it means that your venue won’t enjoy access to an extensive built-in diner network. Though it’s worth noting that some restaurants may actually benefit from using a less saturated discovery 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 Pricing TouchBistro Reservations’ pricing model is best described as subscription-only with full features. This means that you pay one all-inclusive flat rate, regardless of how many reservations are booked or which platforms they’re booked on. In other words, you can expect to pay the same price every single month, so you don’t need to budget for pricey per-cover charges, which can fluctuate dramatically.

When compared to other restaurant reservation systems with comparable features, TouchBistro Reservations’ monthly pricing is on the lower end. For just $229 per month, you get access to TouchBistro’s full suite of features. This differs from many other reservation systems, which may charge a bit less per month, but lack access to crucial features such as waitlist management, POS integration, or automated feedback surveys. When you take into account these crucial features, TouchBistro Reservations offers the most bang for your buck of virtually all the reservation platforms.

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

Weaknesses Though Resy offers many unique process, all these extra features can features and customization options, the make the platform more complicated drawback is that you end up paying a to set up and more difficult for new lot more for all these bells and whistles. staff to learn. For some restaurants, it When compared to other reservations may not be worth the extra time and systems with comparable features, Resy’s expense of training staff to use this kind pricing is definitely on the higher end. of comprehensive booking platform. The Basic package starts at $249 and this only gives you access to a limited set Lasty, Resy falls a bit short when it comes of features. This means that if you need to POS integration options. Resy’s Basic additional features like POS integration plan does not include POS integration, 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 for Resy’s Pro package, or $899 per your POS system. While this may not be month for the Enterprise package. a dealbreaker for every restaurant, keep in mind that manual transfer of data from And even if you can afford Resy’s full Resy to your POS will take up more of your suite of features, it’s important to note staff’s time and increase the likelihood that more is not always better. While of errors – both of which can negatively many restaurants will appreciate the impact the customer experience and the option to customize the reservations flow of operations in your restaurant.

14 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: Basic: $249 per month for reservations, table management, waitlist, and 24/7 support. Pro: $399 per month for everything in the Basic plan, plus 1:1 onboarding and training, customizable guest messaging, customizable post-meal guest surveys, and POS integration. Enterprise: $899 per month for everything in the Pro plan, plus unlimited custom reports, API access, and custom reporting.

The benefit to Resy’s pricing model is you don’t need to pay extra for features you might not use. However, the downside is that if you want a specific feature like direct POS integration or post-meal surveys, you’re going to need to go up a pricing tier and pay nearly double the price of the Basic package – a cost that can be out of reach for many restaurants.

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

Weaknesses Though Eat App has many strengths, you still need to pay extra for each of one of the biggest drawbacks is that the these integrations. These costs can very platform can be somewhat limiting. For quickly add up, ultimately making Eat App instance, if you opt for the Basic plan, a more expensive reservation solution you only get 250 guest confirmations than it may initially appear to be. via text per month. While this may seem like a lot, it breaks down to a maximum Finally, there is one last drawback that of about eight reservations per day. may be an issue for some restaurants This means that if you’re booking more and that is the availability of customer than 250 reservations in a month, you support. As mentioned, Eat App is won’t be able to send confirmation texts based out of the United Arab Emirates, and you may end up with a significant which means that all its support teams number of no-shows. are currently located in Europe and the Middle East. Though the restaurant Another drawback to Eat App is its does offer chat-based support at all pricing model. Though its base pricing times, restaurants in North America seems relatively reasonable compared will likely have trouble getting phone to some of the other reservations assistance during typical business hours systems on the market, Eat App charges due to time zone differences. Though extra for some very valuable features like not this may not be a problem day to POS integration and phone integration. day, it does mean that when something Even if you upgrade from the Basic goes wrong, you may end up waiting package to a more expensive pricing tier, longer to get the issue resolved.

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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.

Beyond the two-week trial, Eat App offers three different pricing packages: Basic: $169/month (or $119/month billed annually) for limited features and 250 guest confirmations via text per month. Pro: $299/month (or $209/month billed annually) for all features and 1,000 guest confirmations via text per month. Enterprise: Price is available only upon request for a package that includes all features and a custom number of guest confirmations via text.

While Eat App’s Basic and Pro plans are in line with the cost of most of the other restaurant reservation systems on the market, it’s important to note that neither of those plans includes POS integration or phone integration. If you want to add POS integration it will cost you an extra $90 per month, while adding a phone integration costs an additional $25 per month.

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

Weaknesses While Tock has some of the most all prepaid reservations. Though this extensive features of any reservation may seem like a small fee, this can add system, this isn’t always a plus for up quickly and you could find your bill restaurateurs. Tock’s robust system is fluctuating pretty significantly from more than most restaurants will need, month-to-month – fluctuations that not especially if you don’t plan to set up every restaurant is able to manage. prepaid reservations or sell tickets for And while Tock does offer a plan with 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. staff to use complicated features, when you could get away with a much One last consideration with Tock is more straightforward system. Not to that its user network is significantly mention, you could end up paying smaller than some of the big for features you don’t even use. reservations players like Resy and OpenTable. While this may not be an If you are using Tock for prepaid issue for some restaurants, if you plan reservations, there is another drawback to frequently sell tickets to special to consider. Though Tock is reasonably events or pop-ups, you may not get as priced for the number of features you much reach as you would with some get, you do have to pay a 2% fee on of the bigger reservations apps.

26 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 reservations software, with no fees on prepaid reservations. Enterprise: Pricing is only available upon request for a custom package complete with integrations, live product training, a dedicated account manager, advanced administrative tools, and world-class security.

Though Tock’s base pricing is reasonable for the features you get, the fees on prepaid reservations can quickly add up and your monthly cost could end up significantly higher than anticipated.

It’s also worth noting that if you plan to use Tock for pickup orders, the company charges a 2% fee on all To Go orders. This is another added cost to consider, especially when there are commission-free online ordering alternatives readily available.

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 to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Weaknesses While OpenTable was once a pioneer And while you might think that the cost in the digital reservations space, the is worth it to get access to OpenTable’s company’s per-cover pricing model extensive diner network, it’s worth is beginning to fall out of favor. Unlike considering that there are also drawbacks newer reservations platforms, OpenTable to listing your restaurant on such a popular charges a network cover fee on any discovery platform. OpenTable is very reservation made through OpenTable’s heavily populated with restaurants, which, discovery platform. This means that ironically, can make it harder for diners to restaurants have to pay an extra charge discover your restaurant among a sea of on every person who books through choices. And while OpenTable does offer 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.

The cost of OpenTable is also an issue when you look at what’s actually included Pricing in each plan. Though OpenTable’s Basic OpenTable has generally positioned plan is very reasonably priced, this itself as more of a marketing channel package lacks table management, POS for restaurants, which is why its pricing integration, waitlist management, dynamic structure is slightly different than that availability controls, and more. In order of other restaurant reservation systems. to get access to a more complete set To use OpenTable, you need to pay of features, you have to upgrade to the a monthly subscription fee and a next pricing tier. And when you add in network cover fee. The network the additional cost of all those network cover fee is a charge on each person cover charges, this can make OpenTable who makes a booking through a very expensive reservations solution. OpenTable’s diner network or app.

32 These subscription and cover 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 the booking widget (or $49 flat fee for booking widget covers). This package only includes OpenTable’s basic features. Core: $249/month, plus a $1.25/ network cover fee for all of OpenTable’s basic features, POS integration, and table management features. Pro: $449/month, plus a $1.25/network cover fee for all the Basic and Core features, as well as advanced relationship management and marketing tools.

As OpenTable’s pricing notes, the network cover fee is lower if a person makes a reservation through an OpenTable widget directly on your restaurant’s website. However, OpenTable has been known to buy Google’s ads using keywords for individual restaurants, thereby diverting diner traffic to opentable.com, instead of a restaurant’s own website. This is a process known as “ad arbitrage” and the result is that you may end up paying higher cover fees because the diners searching for your restaurant are more likely to make their booking through OpenTable’s website because it’s the first result they see.

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

Weaknesses While Yelp’s customer-centric design needing to pay nearly $200 extra is one of its biggest strengths, this per month for the company’s suite setup also means that you have to keep of marketing and promotional tools a close eye on what your customers (Yelp Connect and Yelp Ads) just to are seeing. For instance, if a couple make your restaurant stand out. of negative Yelp reviews pop-up, this could dramatically impact the people’s Lastly, Yelp Reservations is a relatively perception of your restaurant and expensive option when you consider their willingness to make a booking. what you’re getting for the monthly subscription fee. Unlike other reservations Another drawback to Yelp Reservations systems, Yelp offers no phone or payment is the difficulty of making your restaurant integrations. Yelp also lacks any access stand out on its discovery platform. to partner reservations like Google, Because of its popularity, the Yelp Facebook, Instagram, and Tripadvisor, Reservations platform is bloated with which means a lot of your exposure is thousands of restaurants in each limited to Yelp’s own discovery platform. city, all competing for the same set Lasty, some of Yelp’s plans even lack basic of eyes. As a result, you may end up features like automated feedback surveys.

38 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 $180 per month, you can add on Yelp Connect, which helps you customize your Yelp page, increase brand visibility, manage photos, and share business highlights – all tools that are designed to help attract more diners to your page.

Yelp also offers a more budget-friendly software option for venues with small teams, specifically those suffering from staffing shortages. Yelp Kiosk is essentially a basic waitlist tool that captures the contact info of each diner, and then provides guests with waitlist estimations and text notifications. Though this pared-down platform is less expensive than Yelp Reservations, restaurants will have to contact Yelp directly for exact pricing details.

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

42 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.

43 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Compare Your Options

TouchBistro Yelp Reservations Resy Eat App Tock OpenTable Reservations Features

Online Reservations

(only with Table Management Core and Pro packages)

Customizable Floor Plan

(only with Waitlist Management Core and Pro packages)

(limited reach Discovery Apps outside of the Middle East)

Google Integration

Tripadvisor integration

Social Media Integrations (indirect)

(only Pro Guest Profiles packages)

Reservation Notes

(only with Pro Post-Dining Surveys and Enterprise (additional $25 packages) / month) (limited to 250 (only with Pro SMS confirma- Two-Way Guest Communication and Enterprise tions per month packages) with Basic plan)

Prepaid Reservations or No-Show Fees

(only with Pro (only with POS Integration and Enterprise (additional $90 Core and Pro packages) / month) packages)

Reporting

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TouchBistro Yelp Reservations Resy Eat App Tock OpenTable Reservations Features Any Any Any Online Reservations Google, internet- internet- internet- Hardware iPad Android, or iPad enabled enabled enabled Table Management iPad tablet 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 Waitlist Management Tiered Tiered pricing, Flat rate, Tiered Tiered pricing, Flat rate, Discovery Apps Pricing Structure plus prepaid 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 limited fea- month billed all features, month billed prox. $250 tures annually) plus a 2% annually) / month for Guest Profiles 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 most fea- $299 / Pro: $699/ all features, Yelp Con- Post-Dining Surveys tures month (or month for plus a $1.25 nect) $209 / all features / network Two-Way Guest Communication Enterprise: month billed and no fees cover fee $899 / annually) for on prepaid Prepaid Reservations or No-Show Fees month for all all features reservations Pro: features $449 / POS Integration Enterprise: Enterprise: month for all 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

45 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurant Reservation Systems

Buyer’s Guide To ensure you end What’s your budget? What type of up with the perfect When it comes to restaurant do you run? reservations system reservation systems, Different reservation for your restaurant, don’t just budget for systems work better for make sure you take monthly software fees. different types of full the following into Pay attention to each service restaurants. For consideration: provider’s pricing instance, fine dining structure and make restaurants may look for a sure you factor in the system that allows them cost of hardware, to implement reservation additional features like deposits, while a very POS integration, and casual restaurant may network cover fees or need strong waitlist prepaid reservation fees. management features.

46 What are your long- What kinds of What can you term business goals? booking touchpoints expect in terms of Your reservations system are available? implementation, should not only support Some reservations technical support, your current needs, but systems limit bookings and ROI? also your future goals. to their own discovery Find out what you Consider your long- platforms, while others can expect in terms term business plans and offer multiple booking of implementation make sure you choose touchpoints, including assistance and ongoing a reservations platform website widgets and technical support. that will be able to scale Google integrations. Your ROI (return on with you as you grow. Think about where you investment) is also want diners to find your important because 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.

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.

Why Choose Reduce No-Shows with Two-Way Guest Communication TouchBistro Two-way SMS and email communication automatically remind guests of upcoming Reservations? reservations and lets them notify you if plans change so you can make sure every table is booked. TouchBistro Reservations is a product of TouchBistro – the all-in-one POS Give Every Guest the Star Treatment and restaurant management system With Reservation Notes built just for restaurants. Convert first-time guests into lucrative regulars with customized reservation TouchBistro Reservations is a complete notes for allergies, dining preferences, reservation and guest management and special occasions. platform that helps restaurants tailor every guest experience while Streamline Operations with TouchBistro’s managing operations with ease. Simplify POS Integration reservations, control capacity, and give Your front-of-house and back-of-house every guest the star treatment with teams will be in sync when your POS and TouchBistro Reservations. booking system work together seamlessly.

Maximize Capacity With Multiple Make Smarter Business Decisions Online Booking Touchpoints with Advanced Reporting Fill your tables by accepting bookings Access critical business data in the through your website, various discovery TouchBistro Dine portal, so you can manage apps like TouchBistro Dine, and Google. your business from anywhere, at any time.

48 “Before TouchBistro Reservations, we were using pen and paper – it was pretty painful. Now, I love being able to have two- way communication with customers. Reservations is an invaluable tool and the insights it provides has helped us adjust our seating times so we’re providing the best customer experience while filling and turning tables as efficiently as possible.”

Alex MacDougall Pearl Diver, Toronto, ON

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