Problem: no-shows

Stop holding tables for people who never come.

A no-show on a busy night is a table you turned walk-ins away from. You cannot stop every one, but you can see them, plan for them and cut them.

What the research says

3.17% of U.S. restaurant reservations were no-shows in one booking system over a year. (Resos No-Show Index, Aug 19, 2026; a company that sells restaurant tools.)

That figure comes from one booking company's own system. Your number will differ, which is why RightPlace counts yours.

Confirm reservations and call-aheads the day before, or the morning of.
Decide how long you hold a table (for example, 15 minutes) and tell guests when they book.
Write down who no-shows. Repeat no-shows are usually a small group.
Keep a walk-in list going even when you are "booked", so empty tables fill fast.

Reservations and phone calls go on the same list as walk-ins, with a "hold a table" choice.
Late, Very late and No-show buttons at the host stand. Every tap is counted.
The Night Report shows your own no-shows, door-to-table minutes and time at the table, for any date range.
Guests who say they are on the way through RightPlace show up at the door 20 minutes before they are due.

No-show cost calculator: What no-shows cost you each week and year, after walk-ins refill tables. Free, from Restaurant Owner Tools, our calculator site for owners.

No. RightPlace never takes payment from guests.

Yes. RightPlace counts late and no-show guests, and two no-shows in 60 days pause that guest’s food ahead and table holds.