Final answer:
When managing restaurant reservations, keeping around 50% of tables available for walk-ins is advisable. This helps balance the needs of those with reservations and impromptu guests, particularly during non-peak hours such as a college campus at 2:30 PM.
Step-by-step explanation:
When taking reservations, a good rule of thumb is to leave approximately 50% of the tables available for walk-in business. This allows the restaurant to accommodate both reservations and walk-ins efficiently.
Considering the scenario provided, where students are trying to find seating during a non-peak hour at campus restaurant and spending over five minutes to locate an available table, it suggests that the balance between reservation seating and walk-in space may not be optimally managed.
Restaurants should monitor peak times, like lunch hours, and adjust the proportion of reserved to walk-in seating according to the flow of business, ensuring that both reservations and walk-ins can be served without excessive wait times. Example in a Campus Restaurant
At 2:30 PM, which is later than the normal lunch time, the restaurant might have expected a decrease in foot traffic and could have made more tables available for walk-in customers, especially considering the proximity to class schedules. This approach can help manage customer expectations and increase satisfaction, ensuring that during typical rush hours, adequate seating is available for both reservation holders and walk-in parties.