A Long Wait is a Lost Customer
We’ve all been there. You arrive at a restaurant, stomach rumbling, only to find a crowd of people waiting by the door. The host takes your name, jots it down on a list, and says it’ll be “about 30 minutes.”
So you wait. Five minutes pass. Then ten. You’ve got no idea how long it’ll actually be, and neither does anyone else. You glance at your phone, open Google Maps, and start looking for somewhere else to eat.
Sound familiar? That’s because 40% of diners say they’ll leave a restaurant if the wait is too long. The longer they stand there, the more likely you are to lose them—and they might not come back.
A good queue management system stops this from happening. Instead of frustrated guests standing around, you get an organised, stress-free way to manage wait times, update customers, and keep tables turning smoothly.
But queueing is only half the battle. Once customers have finished their meal, they want to pay and leave quickly. That’s where yetipay comes in. With features like Pay @ Table, guests can split the bill and pay with ease, making the entire experience seamless from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave.
Five Queue Management Tools That Keep Customers Happy
1. WalkUp – Best for Casual Dining and High Footfall Areas
Ever seen a crowd of people hovering outside a restaurant, unsure whether to wait or leave? WalkUp fixes that.
• Customers join a virtual queue via their phone and get notified when their table is ready.
• No need for physical queues—people can go for a drink or a walk while they wait.
• Integrates with major POS systems so staff can track table turnover.
Great for busy high streets and casual restaurants where long queues can put people off.
2. Resy – Best for Restaurants That Take Reservations & Walk-Ins
Some customers book ahead. Others just show up. Resy helps you balance both.
• A slick reservation system that also manages walk-in waitlists digitally.
• Customers get real-time updates on their wait time, so there’s no confusion.
• Custom messaging lets you send offers or drink recommendations while they wait.
Perfect if you want to keep both booked guests and walk-ins happy without chaos at the door.
3. OpenTable Waitlist – Best for High-End Restaurants
If you already take bookings through OpenTable, their Waitlist feature is a no-brainer.
• Customers can check live wait times and add themselves to the queue remotely.
• Helps you track VIPs and returning customers for personalised service.
• Reduces phone calls and front-of-house stress—people can see updates on their own.
A great option for fine dining spots where experience is key.
4. Qminder – Best for Fast-Casual and Takeaway Spots
If your restaurant has lots of quick-turnover tables, Qminder is a lifesaver.
• A self-service queueing system where customers check in on a tablet.
• Works for takeaway collections and in-house dining.
• Data tracking helps you predict busy periods and adjust staffing.
Ideal for food halls, coffee shops, and fast-casual restaurants where speed matters.
5. Hostme – Best for Small Restaurants on a Budget
Not every restaurant wants to spend big on software. Hostme offers a simple, all-in-one system.
• Manages reservations, walk-in queues, and cancellations in one place.
• Auto-assigns tables based on party size and wait time.
• One of the most affordable options for small businesses.
A smart choice for independent restaurants looking for an easy queue solution.
Queue Management is Only Half the Story
Managing queues well means customers get to their tables faster, but how you handle payments is just as important. After a great meal, no one wants to wait around for the bill or fumble with a slow card machine.
With yetipay’s Pay @ Table feature, customers can pay directly at their table, choosing how to split the bill—by amount, equally, or by individual items. This not only enhances the dining experience but also speeds up table turnover.
And if you’re looking for ways to improve efficiency beyond queue management, check out:
• 10 Restaurant KPIs Every Owner Should Track to see where you can improve.
• How Digital Bills Can Speed Up Table Turnover and keep customers happy.
In hospitality, time is money. A well-managed queue and a seamless payment experience keep customers coming back—and keep your business running smoothly.
