Restaurant Management Tips:
Quick, I Need More Tables in Here!

Restaurants, like most businesses, have a capacity problem. When it is busy, you need more seats. But building a dining room large enough to accommodate your biggest demand is not practical. Think of the costs to construct it, let alone maintain it during slow times. Instead, here are a few ways to suddenly, and in some cases, dramatically, increase your seating capacity.

1. Community table - Back in the 1970's, I was visiting a southern town for a business meeting. I was alone, and it was lunchtime. I didn't relish the idea of going into a nice restaurant by myself, having to sit at a table with no one to talk to. However, I'd heard of a great place, and I was hungry, so I went. The hostess greeted me, and noticing I was alone, said, "Would you like to sit at the Gentlemen's Table?"

The Gentlemen's Table was actually a series of 6-foot tables, placed end to end, with chairs all around. It was for single diners, (men or women), or even small groups, who wanted to sit at a community table and meet other local business people. Each of us received an individual check. What a great idea! It automatically increased capacity, delighted the customers and gave the place a great reputation. (One word of caution, however. Remember, this story took place in the 1970's. Don’t call it a "Gentlemen's Table" today. It would be politically incorrect!) Whatever you call it, use the idea to create capacity during high demand.

2. Limit the menu - Want to get people off those tables, and get some new diners down? Consider a limited menu during peak times, or even better, on holidays or special occasions. It increases the capacity of your kitchen, moves customers through by speeding up their ordering process, and gives you the ability to make more money.

A limited menu doesn't necessarily mean limited quality or excitement. Try an all inclusive menu that gives the customers a real show, lots of great food, but still only lets them choose one item from column A, etc. Use your imagination. This technique can be a real reputation builder!

3. The Grand Buffet - Whether it is a salad bar, or a beautiful grand buffet, the concept can increase your capacity. First, you need fewer servers. Second, people are more likely to sit in groups. Third, you can seat people all over the restaurant, and they still have a great dining experience. These buffets can be real popular!

The down side is that guests may stay longer. So, even though you increase your capacity, you may lose the ability to move them out quickly. However, most restaurants have found that the advantages in seating, satisfaction and revenue are greater than the increased dining time.

4. Take that outside! - Don’t overlook the popularity of outdoor dining. A nice tent can accommodate even fine dining. I was recently the pre-diner speaker to a group of meeting planners who met at Donald Trump's Mar A Lago in Palm Beach. The dinner was held on the grounds, in a beautiful, tented dining room. It was elegant - and memorable!
5. Use the bar - Don’t overlook the non-dining spaces in your establishment. A limited menu in the bar, or a banquet room, will give patrons a nice choice, and give you some uncovered profits!
6. Let's have our coffee in the drawing room - Want to build a reputation while making more money? Create a special dessert and coffee area. Invite guests to move from their tables after dinner. Give them complimentary coffee, and sell them desserts and drinks. Why not theme the room with jazz music and an after-hours ambience?

Your chance to suddenly "build more seats" is a great key to finding hidden money. You can sustain that increase in revenue by enhancing your reputation for a different dining experience.

Return to the INDEX Page | Copyright © 2005 Bill Quain, Ph.D - All rights reserved.