Episode 102

Why Restaurants Can't Just "Squeeze You In"

Listen: On spotify

Watch: On youtube

Behind every restaurant reservation is a careful balance of timing, capacity and customer expectations. From walk-ins and waiting lists to no-shows and last-minute changes, managing a busy dining room can feel like a game of table Tetris.

But why do some restaurants take bookings while others make you line up? The answer often comes down to kitchen capacity, table turnover and keeping prices affordable.

There’s also the chaos of Valentine’s Day, guests arriving with fewer people than booked and the frustration of being turned away when tables appear empty.

Because sometimes, squeezing in one more table isn't quite as simple as it looks.