Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Restaurant managers have a challenging task: get customers into and out of their restaurant with factory-level efficiency while still maintaining a fun and inviting atmosphere that guarantees repeat business. Properly spaced tables are an important part of this strategy, as is helping kitchen staff coordinate service so customers are neither rushed nor linger too long that turnover is slowed down. The right table management software can help.
What is table management software?
Table management software is a digital tool designed to help restaurants efficiently manage their dining room and reservations. This software streamlines the process of booking tables, tracking the status of each table (such as whether it’s occupied, reserved, or available), and managing customer waitlists. By automating these tasks, the software aids in optimizing the seating arrangement and turnover, enhancing the overall efficiency of the restaurant’s operations.
There are different types of table management software available, catering to various needs and operational setups.
On-premises software is installed and runs on computers on the premises of the restaurant, while cloud-based software is hosted on the provider’s servers and accessed via the Internet, offering more flexibility and remote accessibility.
Some table management systems are standalone, focusing solely on managing tables and reservations, although they are often able to integrate with third-party systems such as the point of sale (POS). In contrast, others are integrated into broader POS systems, which offer additional functionalities like billing, order management, and inventory control.
The choice between these types depends on the specific needs, size, and technological infrastructure of the restaurant.
Why do businesses use a table management system?
Businesses use table management systems primarily to enhance operational efficiency in managing dining areas and reservations. These systems allow for better organization of seating arrangements, reduced wait times for customers, and optimized table turnover.
By effectively managing these aspects, restaurants can improve customer satisfaction, streamline their operations, and potentially increase revenue by accommodating more guests.
What are some of the benefits of using a table management software platform?
Table management software platforms provide many benefits for restaurants and similar establishments. They streamline operations, enhance the customer experience, and contribute to better revenue management. These systems integrate various aspects of restaurant management, making them invaluable tools in the highly competitive hospitality industry.
- Efficient seating management: By optimizing table layouts and seating arrangements, restaurants can serve more customers efficiently, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.
- Real-time table tracking: The software offers live updates on table status, helping staff manage dining flow and reduce the chances of double-booking or long customer waits.
- Improved customer experience: With efficient management of reservations and waitlists, customers enjoy a smoother dining experience, leading to higher satisfaction and repeat visits.
- Data-driven insights: These platforms provide valuable data on customer preferences and dining habits, enabling personalized service and targeted marketing strategies.
- Higher turnover rates: Efficient table management can lead to quicker table turnovers, allowing restaurants to serve more customers, particularly during peak hours.
- Reduced no-show rates: With integrated reservation and reminder systems, restaurants can significantly reduce no-show rates, ensuring better use of their dining space.
- Enhanced team coordination: The software promotes better communication and coordination among staff, leading to more streamlined and error-free service.
- Integration with POS systems: Many table management systems integrate with POS systems, enabling seamless operations from reservation to payment.
- Advanced reporting capabilities: Detailed reports on restaurant performance and customer trends help in making informed business decisions and strategies.
- Flexible accessibility: Cloud-based platforms offer the flexibility to manage reservations and tables remotely, providing convenience and accessibility for management.
- Customizable layouts: Restaurants can customize table layouts according to their specific needs and dining room configurations, ensuring optimal space utilization.
- Automated reservation confirmations: The software can automatically send reservation confirmations and reminders to customers, enhancing communication and reducing no-shows.
By leveraging these benefits, restaurants can significantly improve their operational efficiency and customer service, leading to a more successful and profitable business.
15 table management software systems you should consider
It’s hard to label one table management system the best. If you are happy with your current POS and they offer a table management solution, then it might be perfect for you. Conversely, some table management software platforms may integrate with your existing POS system, providing additional value and data insights.
Here are 15 popular table management software systems to consider:
- Bookatable
- Clover
- Eat App
- Lightspeed Restaurant
- OpenTable
- Revel Systems
- Resy
- SevenRooms
- Square for Restaurants
- Table Agent
- TableIn
- Toast
- Tock
- TouchBistro
- Yelp Reservations
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, Bookatable stands out as a prominent online restaurant reservation service. Serving a network of 13,000 restaurants across 12 countries, it has established a significant presence in the restaurant reservation space. Notably, in 2016, Michelin acquired Bookatable, accelerating its growth in Europe’s online restaurant reservation market. However, in 2019, Michelin transferred ownership to TripAdvisor as part of a strategic partnership.
Bookatable offers a comprehensive table management system, primarily designed as a cloud-based solution. It’s not just a standalone reservation platform but also assists restaurants with a reservation calendar technology to manage bookings electronically. Furthermore, Bookatable extends its functionality to restaurant marketing, database management, and technical support, thereby catering to a wide array of restaurants’ operational needs.
Clover, established in October 2010 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is a pioneering force in the POS industry. Launched in April 2012, Clover swiftly emerged as the largest U.S. cloud POS firm by 2020, processing a substantial volume of annualized card transactions worldwide. Founded by John Beatty, Leonard Speiser, and Kelvin Zheng, Clover has been instrumental in revolutionizing point-of-sale technology.
Clover’s POS system is a cloud-based Android platform, notable for integrating table management features. Launched with its first hardware solution, the Clover Station, in 2013, it also opened its App Marketplace to third-party developers in 2014. This versatility allows for seamless integrations with various systems, making it a comprehensive solution for restaurants looking for an all-in-one POS and table management system.
Eat App, founded in February 2015 by Nezar Kadhem and David Feuillard, is based in Dubai, UAE. As a global restaurant reservation software company, Eat App has made a significant mark on the industry by enabling users to search, discover, and make reservations online. The company has seated over 6.5 million guests, highlighting its impact and reach in the restaurant reservation sector.
Eat App offers a cloud-based table management system that syncs reservations in real time to its Restaurant Manager software. Replacing traditional methods, it provides a digital record of all reservations and previous guests, along with analytics on restaurant performance. Integrating with services like Uber, Eat App is designed for a diverse range of restaurants and enhances the dining experience by streamlining the reservation process.
Founded on July 2, 1998, by Sid Gorham, Eric Moe, and Chuck Templeton, OpenTable is headquartered in San Francisco, California. It began with a modest selection of restaurants in San Francisco, using back-end software to process reservations. Since its inception, OpenTable has grown exponentially, now covering over 50,000 restaurants in more than 80 countries.
OpenTable offers a cloud-based table management system, initially serving as a real-time reservation system for both diners and restaurants. The platform is not only a standalone table management software but also integrates with restaurants’ existing systems. This makes OpenTable a versatile choice for various types of restaurants globally, ensuring efficient management of reservations and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Lightspeed Restaurant, established in 2005 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a major player in the field of cloud-based POS and e-commerce software. Focusing primarily on small- and medium-sized businesses, Lightspeed has a strong presence in over 100 countries, serving various sectors including retail, hospitality, and golf industries. Their wide array of products includes point of sale solutions, loyalty programs, and analytics tools.
Lightspeed Restaurant offers an advanced table management system that is part of its broader POS software suite. This cloud-based solution is tailored for the dynamic needs of the food and beverage industry. It supports various integrations with popular payment processors, online ordering platforms, and accounting software, making it a versatile choice for restaurants of all sizes. The system is particularly admired for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive analytics, helping restaurants to streamline operations and enhance customer service.
Founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California, Revel Systems is a prominent provider of cloud-based business platform solutions. The company primarily serves the food service and retail industries, offering a range of products including POS systems, inventory management, and customer relationship management tools. Revel Systems is recognized for its innovative approach to business technology solutions.
Revel Systems’ table management software is an integrated part of its extensive POS system. This cloud-based platform is designed to offer an efficient, scalable solution for restaurants of all sizes. It includes features like real-time table tracking, order management, and seamless integration with payment systems and customer loyalty programs. Revel’s system is highly customizable, catering to the specific needs of various restaurant formats, from fast-casual to fine dining establishments.
Resy, founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York City, has quickly risen to prominence in the restaurant reservation and table management sector. It serves thousands of restaurants globally, focusing on providing innovative tools to enhance the dining experience. Resy offers a suite of technology solutions including a reservation system, waitlist management, and marketing services.
Resy’s table management software is a key component of its broader platform, designed to provide restaurants with an efficient way to manage reservations and guest flow. This cloud-based system offers features like real-time table status updates, guest profiling, and seamless integration with other restaurant management tools. Resy’s platform is particularly well-suited for upscale and boutique restaurants that focus on providing a high-quality dining experience, with an emphasis on personalization and guest relationship management.
SevenRooms, launched in 2011 and based in New York, specializes in reservation, seating, and guest management solutions for restaurants, hotels, and nightlife venues. The company has made a significant mark in the hospitality industry with its focus on personalized service and guest data analytics. SevenRooms offers a comprehensive suite of tools including reservation management, POS integration, and marketing automation.
The table management system by SevenRooms is a cloud-based solution that is part of its broader guest management platform. This system is designed to offer advanced features for seating optimization, guest data collection, and personalized service delivery. It integrates with various POS systems, payment processors, and CRM tools, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of hospitality businesses. SevenRooms is particularly popular among high-end restaurants and hospitality groups looking for a sophisticated approach to guest management and enhanced dining experiences.
Square for Restaurants, launched by Square, Inc., is a comprehensive restaurant POS system. Square, founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, is well-known for its financial services and mobile payment solutions. The company focuses on providing innovative payment and business management solutions to various sectors, including retail, food and beverage, and service industries.
Square for Restaurants offers a versatile table management software platform, as part of its broader POS system. This cloud-based solution is designed to cater to the needs of all types of restaurants, from quick service to fine dining. It includes features like customizable floor plans, real-time table updates, and seamless integration with Square’s payment processing and business management tools. The software stands out for its ease of use, streamlined operations, and comprehensive data analysis capabilities, helping restaurants to enhance efficiency and customer service.
Table Agent, established in the early 2000s, is a streamlined table management and reservation system. It is designed to cater to restaurants of all sizes and types, focusing on providing a simple, efficient, and cost-effective solution for managing reservations and table allocations.
The Table Agent system is a cloud-based platform that offers functionalities such as online reservations, table management, customer database management, and marketing tools. It is known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility, allowing restaurants to customize the system according to their specific needs. Table Agent integrates easily with various third-party applications and services, providing restaurants with a holistic approach to managing their front-of-house operations.
TableIn, a relatively recent entrant in the table management software market, is focused on providing efficient and user-friendly solutions for small- to medium-sized restaurants. The company emphasizes simplicity and affordability in its offerings, making it an attractive option for restaurants that are looking for an easy-to-use and cost-effective table management system.
TableIn’s software is a cloud-based solution, offering features like online booking, table management, customer relationship management, and reporting tools. The platform allows for easy integration with existing restaurant systems and popular web services, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service. TableIn is particularly suited for independent restaurants and small chains that require a straightforward and effective tool to manage their reservations and dining room flow.
Toast, founded in 2013 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, has quickly become a leader in the restaurant POS and management systems industry. The company provides a comprehensive suite of products designed to address the various needs of the food service sector, including POS systems, online ordering, and employee management tools.
Toast’s table management software is an integral part of its all-encompassing POS system. This cloud-based platform offers functionalities such as table layout customization, real-time table status tracking, and an integrated guest database. It is known for its robust integration capabilities with various other systems, including kitchen display systems, online ordering platforms, and payment processing solutions. Toast is particularly popular among a wide range of restaurants, from small cafes to large full-service establishments, for its ability to streamline operations and improve the overall dining experience.
Tock, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a comprehensive reservation, table management, and CRM platform for the hospitality industry. It is known for its innovative approach, offering solutions that cater to a wide range of dining experiences, including fine dining, wineries, and pop-ups.
Tock’s table management system is a cloud-based platform designed to streamline the dining experience. It offers features such as ticketed reservations, dynamic pricing, and guest management. Tock integrates seamlessly with other systems, including POS and CRM tools, providing a holistic approach to managing guest experiences. The system is particularly popular among upscale and experiential dining venues, where managing complex reservations and guest preferences is crucial.
Founded in 2010 and based in Toronto, Canada, TouchBistro is a leading provider of iPad POS and integrated payment solutions for the restaurant industry. Serving thousands of restaurants in over 100 countries, TouchBistro focuses on streamlining restaurant operations and improving customer experience with its innovative technology.
TouchBistro’s table management software is integrated into its comprehensive POS system, providing a cloud-based solution for efficient restaurant management. It features an intuitive interface with customizable floor plans, table status tracking, and reservation management. The platform is designed for various types of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, and integrates with a wide range of third-party apps and services, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service.
Yelp Reservations, launched by Yelp, a well-known business directory service, offers an online reservation and table management system. Yelp, founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, is widely recognized for its user-generated reviews and ratings of local businesses, including restaurants.
Yelp Reservations provides a table management software platform that is integrated with Yelp’s extensive network, allowing restaurants to manage bookings directly from their Yelp business page. This cloud-based system includes features such as online reservations, table management, and waitlist management. It is particularly suitable for restaurants that rely on online visibility and reviews, as it seamlessly connects the reservation system with Yelp’s user base, enhancing both customer acquisition and retention.
Solink can help you better manage your restaurants
Incorporating Solink into your restaurant management strategy can significantly enhance your operational efficiency and security. Solink’s advanced cloud video surveillance system not only offers a robust security solution but also provides valuable insights into your business operations.
By integrating video surveillance with POS data, Solink enables you to monitor customer flow, staff activities, and overall restaurant performance, complementing your table management software platform. This integration empowers you to make data-driven decisions, ensuring a safe, efficient, and customer-friendly dining experience.
To see how Solink can help your restaurant business, sign up for a demo today.
Timothy Ware | 
Timothy Ware is Solink’s Content Manager. He brings over ten years of writing and editing experience to the job. When he isn’t writing about security, loss prevention, and asset protection, he’s enjoying his newest board game. His work has appeared on many B2B SaaS websites including Baremetrics, Security Today, TeamPassword, Cova, and SignTime.
