5 Ways to Reduce Wait Times in Your Restaurant

Wait times are the silent killer of restaurant revenue. When customers see a long line, they often turn away. Here are 5 proven strategies to speed things up.

1. Implement a QR Code Menu

Physical menus take time to hand out, read, and collect. QR codes allow customers to browse immediately upon sitting down. This can shave 5-10 minutes off the table turn time.

2. Enable Pre-ordering

Allow customers to order while they wait in line or before they arrive. SmarTables integrates pre-ordering directly into the reservation flow.

3. Optimize Your Floor Plan

Ensure your servers have clear paths to tables and the kitchen. Use the SmarTables floor management view to identify bottlenecks in real-time.

4. Digital Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)

Paper tickets get lost or smudged. A KDS screens shows orders instantly, sorted by priority and preparation time.

5. Mobile Payments

Waiting for the bill is the most frustrating part of the meal. Let guests pay at the table with their phone.