It’s no longer feasible to manage your restaurant with pen-and-paper or even a basic point-of-sale (POS) system. The key to a successful restaurant is using an efficient reservation and table management system.
One of our top restaurant technology trends for 2024 is using technology to streamline operations and increase sales and revenues.
Aside from managing and combining tables, table management software offers many benefits for restaurants and other F&B concepts.
From managing a restaurant’s capacity and connecting it to a customer relationship management (CRM) system, to turning tables faster, to opening and blocking tables, there’s lots a table management system can do for your restaurant.
Read on to discover the benefits of using table management software and uncover the best table management systems for restaurants and what each has to offer.
Why use a table management system for restaurants
A table management system, sometimes called restaurant seating software, helps you manage various operations in your restaurant.
From operations to marketing to guest relationships to shift management, table management software has lots to offer.
However, it’s worth mentioning that different seating and table management systems have different features and offerings. So, it’s important you consider which seating software will help you in the long-term.
Here are the top benefits of using a table management system for your restaurant.
Improves operating efficiency and streamlines restaurant operations
Allows you to manage, merge, and combine tables to accommodate seating arrangements
Helps you get online bookings
Reduces wait time for walk-in guests
Integrates with restaurant POS systems
Improves guest experiences
Improves table turnover
Lets you access various restaurant analytics
Comes with reporting features (Note: Reporting features vary from one table management app to another)
May include marketing features (Note: Marketing features vary from one software to another)
Best table management systems for restaurants in 2024
Now, let’s dive into the different table management software for F&B and entertainment concepts. We’ll highlight their top features, pricing plans, and whether they charge commissions for bookings or not.
SerVme
Servme offers reservation and table management software for restaurants, hotel F&Bs, and entertainment concepts.
Restaurants using Servme can easily integrate with any of the leading POS systems for restaurants. They also benefit from other integrations like property management systems, marketing and payments.
At Servme, we’re always listening to our clients and adding new features based on their needs and requests. It’s how our Manager’s Notes feature was born.
Key features:
Easy to use product with many operational features: Servme offers fully-packed and rich operational features that are easy to use. From tracking and visualizing the payment status per reservation, to easily filtering any segment of reservation, and downloading the daily reports for reservations with the full guest details.
Capacity Algorithm: Servme has a strong built-in algorithm that calculates capacity per seat and table and allows managers to configure which table is available for online and offline booking with table combination pre-sets.
Integrations: 50+ Point of Sale, Property Management System, SMS, built-in Emails, Digital menu, and landline with social booking platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Tripadvisor, Zomato, Google Reserve and many more) WhatsApp (coming soon), Servme offers you complete and direct integrations that can allow you to track guest data, preferences, and habits while streamlining operations.
Interactive views: Restaurants can view the list, floor plan, list, grid, and cover flow. They can also get a clear idea of which table combinations work best, especially when accommodating large groups. Restaurant managers can add the number of guests and SerVme’s table management software will show them which tables can be combined.
Advanced restaurant CRM: Restaurants can easily create detailed guest profiles, with information like seating preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies, and more. Using Servme’s reservation widget, new information coming from repeat guests will be automatically updated in the CRM. F&B concepts can also use the CRM to segment and personalize their marketing campaigns.
Marketing features: SerVme’s reservation and table management system comes with marketing features, namely email and SMS marketing for restaurants. but also send automated personalized guest triggers. Imagine if a guest birthday is coming up, the system can send a personal email or SMS asking if they wish to celebrate their birthday with a personal booking link. The system does all the heavy listing with automation triggers in place. Also from within the Servme dashboard, marketing managers can create restaurant newsletters as well as various SMS and email marketing campaigns. F&B concepts can also increase online reservations through marketing integrations like TripAdvisor, Zomato, Reserve with Google, and others.
Availability across all devices: Servme is available across multiple devices and operating systems. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, Servme’s table management app is available on mobile and tablet devices. We’ve recently given a complete facelift to the SerVme Restaurant Manager iOS app.
Cover fees
No cover fees ever. This applies across our Facebook and Instagram integrations, Reserve with Google, Zomato and anywhere you share the Servme reservation widget. Tripadvisor charges a direct fee which is outside Servme's commercials.
Pricing plans
SerVme offers 3 pricing plans for restaurants and entertainment concepts. Subscriptions start at $129 a month and can go up to $299 per month for advanced subscriptions. (Paid annually)
Further reading: How to Make the Most of SerVme’s Restaurant Table Management Software
SevenRooms
Cloud-based table management software for restaurants SevenRooms supports various types of concepts, including bars, wineries, among others. Their system comes with reservation and waitlist management, customer profiles, and reporting features.
Key features
Waitlist management: SevenRooms’ table management system combines reservations with waitlist management to streamline seating and speed up table turnover.
Marketing features: SevenRooms’ software offers email and SMS marketing features, including two-way SMS.
Reservation management: Besides helping restaurant staff manage tables and waitlists, SevenRooms also lets F&B concepts get online reservations from various channels.
Cover fees
SevenRooms does not charge for covers.
Pricing
It’s not clear how much SevenRooms charges however varying reports indicate pricing begins at $700 a month. Pricing is not shared on their site. The company also charges a one-time setup fee.
Integrations
Sevenrooms has multiple integrations with the point-of-sale system and other platforms, however, integration implementation can take months. Account set-up also takes a few weeks to completion.
Support
Sevenrooms offers support online and following the US timezone. Access to on-premise account managers in various regions is not possible.
Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing for Restaurants
OpenTable
OpenTable is a popular table management app offering reservation and table management, reporting, and a diner network. Customizable floor plans aren’t available in its Basic plan.
Key features
Diner network: Restaurants using OpenTable can get more eyes on their venues with OpenTable’s global diner network.
Automated reservation confirmations: Restaurants can send automated confirmations to guests who make online bookings.
Central database: OpenTable collects all guest details in one place and helps restaurant operators segment and engage guests via Email based on preferences.
Cover fees
OpenTable charges cover fees, which vary depending on the pricing plan used. However, covers generally range from $1 to $1.50 per cover via their partner network.
For the Basic tier, OpenTable charges restaurants $0.25 per cover or a flat monthly fee of $49. The company doesn’t charge for covers via its website for the Core and Pro plans.
Pricing
OpenTable’s Basic tier amounts to $149 per month, excluding cover fees via partners or its website. Its other plans amount to $299 for Core per month and $499 per month for Pro.
Integrations
Integrations with point-of-sale systems and other platforms are mainly available in the US and under the most advanced package which is $499 per month. No integrations with PMS and landline.
Support
OpenTable offers online support with US or UK time zones only.
Further reading: 10 Reasons to Use Restaurant Reservation Management System
Resy
Resy offers both a table management system for restaurants and a diner network for restaurants to add listings.
Key features
Marketing integrations: Resy allows restaurants to integrate with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google for online bookings.
Diner network: Resy’s Diner network acts as an additional opportunity to list and get more bookings.
Digital menus: Restaurants using Resy can create digital menus and offer online ordering to their guests.
AMEX partnerships and other integration
Cover fees
Resy charges cover fees for bookings made via its diner network and other third party integrations.
Pricing plans
Resy’s Basic plan begins at $249 per month, while their most expensive plan amounts to a staggering $899 per month!
The Resy website does not indicate the availability of a free plan or trial.
Further reading: Increase Direct Reservations using Facebook & Instagram with serVme
TheFork
TheFork is mainly an online reservation system for restaurants and offers direct bookings from their B2C consumer application.
Key features
Loyalty program: TheFork offers its ‘Yums Loyalty Programme’ for restaurants, where guests collect points for purchases and earn rewards.
Multi-channel bookings: Besides offering direct bookings from their website, TheFork offers restaurants the opportunity to integrate with other booking channels.
Marketing features: TheFork lets partner restaurants create and customize email campaigns to their guests.
Payment: TheFork Pay lets restaurants collect payments directly from diners
Cover fees
TheFork charges commissions per cover.
Pricing
TheFork offers a free plan that only includes managing bookings. Their paid pricing plans begin at roughly $178 per month. However, it’s worth mentioning that the variety of pricing plans and their costs differ from one country to another.
Integrations
TheFork offers limited integrations.
Support
TheFork offers online support.
Further reading: Your Guide to Restaurant Email Subject Lines for Better Conversions
Eatapp
Eat App is a cloud-based table management app that helps restaurants improve efficiency with restaurant management system features like a CRM.
Key features
Automated surveys: Eat App helps restaurants with guest experience management through automated guest surveys.
Restaurant listings: Eat App allows restaurants to list on their software to get online bookings, $2 per cover. That’s in addition to their reservation management software.
Guest profiling features: Eatapp’s CRM helps restaurants create a database of guest profiles with preferences however it doesn't factor duplicate phone contacts and centralized guest sharing profile across multiple outlets.
Available on iOS, iPad, Android and Web
Cover fees
Eat App doesn’t charge for covers. However, restaurants who list on the Eat App network will be charged $2 per cover. Similarly, third-party integrations through Eat App involve a % cover fee.
Pricing plans
Eat App offers a free plan for up to 30 covers. Paid plans begin at $79 a month. Their most expensive plan amounts to $319 a month. However, Eat App charges extra for features like customizing your booking widget, viewing your restaurant's reports, getting email features,...etc. Eat App charges separately for add-ons.
Integrations
Eat App has multiple integrations with point of sale system and other platforms, some through indirect and third party providers.
Support
Eat App offers real-time support and service along with account management available online.
Further reading: 9 Ways to Reduce No-Shows at Your Restaurant
Tock
One of the top table management systems for restaurants, Tock helps F&B operators manage reservations, collect deposits, and reduce no-shows and cancellations.
Key features
Fewer no-shows: Tock’s table management software helps restaurants reduce revenue lost from no-show guests and last-minute cancellations. They do so using a ‘ticketing system.’
Prepaid offerings: Tock helps restaurants increase revenues by letting them collect money upfront for prepaid dishes and menus.
Great for high-end concepts: Tock’s various features are catered to high-end and fine-dining restaurants. However, this may not be suitable for smaller, single-venue eateries.
Cover fees
Tock doesn’t charge cover fees but it charges a percentage on pre-booking payments. Percentages vary based on a customer’s plan. Tock charges a 3% prepayment fee for its ‘Base’ and ‘Essential’ plans and a 2% fee for its ‘Premium’ Plan. Only the ‘Premium Unlimited’ plan doesn’t include cover fees but begin at $769 per month.
Pricing
Tock offers a 4-tier pricing for its restaurant table management system. Pricing at $79 per month in the ‘Base’ plan. The ‘Essential’ plan amounts to $199 per month, while Premium begins at $339 per month. Their most expensive plan ‘Premium Unlimited’ begins at $769 per month.
Integrations
Tock offers various restaurant integrations. However, restaurants seeking to add integrations can only do so by upgrading to Tock’s Premium and Premium Unlimited plans.
Support
Tock offers email and chat support across all its plans. However, phone support is only available for ‘Premium’ and ‘Premium Unlimited’ plans.
TableCheck
Restaurant table management system TableCheck helps restaurants with reservation and guest experience management. They help F&B and hospitality operators build long-term relationships with their guests.
Key features
Multilingual support: TableCheck supports restaurants and diners with 18 languages.
Queue management system: This restaurant table management app offers a queue and waitlist management system to retain guests when your restaurant is busy.
Marketing automation: TableCheck offers various restaurant marketing automation features including automated email and SMS notifications.
Cover fees
It’s not clear whether TableCheck charges cover fees or not.
Pricing
It’s not clear how much TableCheck’s table management software costs. However, according to GetApp, the company has a free trial but doesn’t offer a free plan.
Integrations
TableCheck supports various restaurant integrations including POS, PMS, and social media integrations.
Support
TableCheck supports Apple devices, including iPad and iPhones, only. There’s not support for Android devices. In addition, they do not have phone or online support. However, they have launched a Merchant Help Center and a Diner Help Center.
ResDiary
ResDiary is an online table management and reservation software. They support F&B concepts through customer profiling, marketing features, and online reservation management.
Key features
Special event management: Customers can use ResDiary to manage special events and large-party bookings. It also allows them to forecast expected spend.
Diner-facing booking platform: Like other restaurant table management systems on this list, ResDiary has a guest-facing platform called Dish Cult. Through Dish Cult, guests can book tables at various restaurants in ResDiary’s restaurant network. It’s a way to get your restaurant before guests.
Reservation widget: ResDiary’s widget allows restaurants to collect and manage online reservations, take event inquiries, and build their guest CRM and database.
Cover fees
According to their website, ResDiary does not charge cover fees.
Pricing
Monthly pricing begins at $89 per month and includes 150 covers. Restaurants can add more covers for an extra fee. Their second plan begins at $189 per month.
Annual subscriptions come with free months but don’t include extra covers or additional perks.
Integrations
ResDiary supports various integrations, including POS, accounting, PMS, and restaurant marketing software. However, the fees for each integration can be quite high.
Support
Customers have complained, via Capterra, that ResDiary’s support is not up to par, especially since the table management application can be quite a hassle.
Tablein
Tablein is a table management system for smaller restaurants. They offer a restaurant CRM, online booking options, along with reporting features.
Key features
Online reservation management: Tablein helps restaurants get more online bookings through managing private functions and creating a digital book (CRM). Restaurants can add requests and notes for reservations as well.
Website builder: Tablein offers restaurants the opportunity to create their no-code website using their software. Their website builder is instantly integrated with their reservation and table management system.
Automated notifications: Tablein’s software allows restaurants to send automated email and SMS notifications for confirmations, reminders, and feedback.
Cover fees
Tablein offers a set number of commission-free bookings in each pricing plan. However, exceeding those bookings is subject to commissions per reservation.
Pricing
Tablein offers a free trial across its plans. Their Starter plan begins at $49 per month and includes 50 reservations. Additional reservations amount to $0.73.Their second tier, Growth, amounts to $107 per month and includes 150 reservations. Additional bookings cost $0.40 per reservation. Their most expensive plan is the Success plan which amounts to $177 per month and includes unlimited reservations.
Integrations
Tablein has limited integrations.
Support
Tablein offers online support.
Resto Guru
Resto Guru is a restaurant reservation, table management, queue management system. They help restaurants improve guest satisfaction and operating efficiency.
Key features
Reservation management: This platform helps F&B concepts increase reservations through online integrations with social media platforms.
Queue management: Resto Guru helps restaurants manage walk-ins and waitlists with queue management. Guests can add or remove their name from a waitlist with a few taps.
Automate notifications: Resto Guru’s platform relies heavily on its automated notifications systems for guests. Restaurants can easily send notifications to confirm bookings and reduce last-minute cancellations and no-shows.
Cover fees
It is not clear if Resto Guru charges cover fees or not.
Pricing
Resto Guru has a three-pricing structure. Their first tier, Express, amounts to AED 199 per month ($54), while their second tier, Guest360, amounts to AED 600 per month ($163). Their third and most expensive tier is the Guest360+Express, amounting to AED 749 per month ($204).
Resto Guru does not have a setup fee.
Integrations
This reservation and table management app offers integrations with restaurant point-of-sale systems.
Support
Resto Guru provides training for their restaurant management application along with ongoing support.
Wrapping it up
Using a table management system for your restaurant can be a game-changer for your business. As you can see, there are many benefits to using this type of software.
It’s not just about managing your floor plan, because table management software comes with lots of benefits like managing your waitlists and reservations.
At SerVme, our aim is to help restaurants grow and increase their sales and profits. That’s why we’re constantly developing new features and updating current ones to make restaurant management easier and faster for all F&Bs.
Ready to see how a table management system can help your restaurant grow and save time and money managing day-to-day restaurant operations? Get your free trial from SerVme today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best table management software for my restaurant?
When looking at table management systems, you should consider factors such as ease-of-use, cost, and scalability. You should look for a system that will grow with you.
For example, restaurants can use Servme when they only have a single venue or location and can easily add new venues as they grow. Restaurant groups can also have a centralized CRM for their venues and compare sales reports between venues.
How do I use a table management system in my restaurant?
Identify your needs and choose a system that integrates with your existing POS system and hardware. Make sure you choose a system that provides training and support for your staff to make using the system much easier and ensure a smooth transition.
What are the costs associated with a restaurant table management system?
Costs vary depending on the system and pricing structure. Most restaurant table management systems, like Servme, offer a tiered-pricing structure. Each tier offers several benefits for a fixed monthly or annual price.
The higher the tier, the higher the fee, but the better the perks.
Learn more about Servme’s pricing and perks here.
Mohammed Rafy
Table Management
