Dinner Reservations
By Eddie M
Many Americans eat at restaurants. Some do it once a week, some once a month, some even every day. Restaurant lunches are common in the working world. Dinner out is common for some working families and in some industries where constant schmoozing happens. People can often walk into a restaurant to find a table and a meal. But at some times, and at some restaurants at all times, reservations are needed. Those without the reservation can be left on the outside looking in, or at least going to a fast food place for their 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. Is food that important that people will fight for coveted spots at the table? That's for the individuals to decide. Some good habits to get into when making reservations include calling well in advance of the planned meal and only reserving space for the people you know will attend and eat. 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 can also mean having to trim down a guest list if a large enough table isn't available. Reserving spots too early can mean not knowing who will show up to eat, getting the restaurant to set aside too many seats at too large a table. Restaurants don't like this. The service may suffer, or they may think twice before accommodating your plans next time. Restaurants may sometimes have trouble with diners who reserve tables. On the flip side some restaurants aren't so good at respecting these plans. People make plans to eat at 8PM, call in the reservation for 8PM, show up at 7:30 to enjoy a cocktail before dinner, then wait three hours before being seated. Restaurants that do this too often find themselves losing customers. However, it's expected at some higher end or exclusive places. The arrogance of making people wait, even when they called months in advance to make plans, is part of the atmosphere of such establishments. For some reason some people like being treated poorly. Some companies have sprung up that manage reservations for a number of restaurants. These are often

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booked online, and people have reported excellent experiences. 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, reservations can feel special. That is if the restaurant honors them. If they don't, then teach them a lesson. Don't return, and let your friends know not to patronize that establishment.