Friday, January 30, 2009

Why You Should Consider Dinner Reservation

By Doug Schlette

People love to dine at restaurants. Some do it once a week, some once a month, some even every day. Restaurant meals are common at lunch for white collar workers. Eating out for supper is common in some industries where clients are frequently entertained. Often people can walk into an establishment and find a table. But sometimes a dinner reservation is needed in order to be seated. No reservation could mean no meal.

Many restaurants take reservations, usually in the evenings and especially on weekends. Fancy places require reservations months in advance. And some are so exclusive that it's a miraculous event to acquire reservations. Can you imagine food so good that people would wait months to eat it? For some it's the thing to do.

When making a reservation only make it for the number of people you're sure will attend, and make it in advance of the planned night out. As mentioned, some restaurants are in high demand. Waiting too long can mean missing out on a chance to enjoy a meal there on a particular day. It might also mean a small table can be had, so fewer people can join you. Keep in mind that making reservations too far in advance can result in a lot of no shows and wasted space at the table. Restaurants don't like this. The result could be the restaurant not being willing to let you reserve next time.

Sometimes the customers do the wrong thing when it comes to reservations. However, sometimes it's the restaurant doing the wrong thing. Someone makes a reservation for 7:30PM but isn't given a table until 10PM. Restaurants that do this too often find themselves losing customers. It's expected at some fancier locations. Those restaurants are expected to be discourteous. Some people like to pay to be treated like bums.

There are now even companies that manage restaurant reservations. Many include online booking and get very good reviews. One customer related making reservations for her husband's birthday. Upon arrival she found the host looking up the reservation on a computer. To this patron's surprise the restaurant had done some planning for the birthday meal, providing extras and even a free slice of cake.

When it's time for a good meal, a dinner reservation can feel special. That is if the restaurant honors them. For those that don't, don't take it sitting down. Don't return, and let your friends know not to patronize that establishment. - 15634

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