It is now common to see paging systems in restaurants, but why do restaurants use pagers? There are three styles of system which are most frequently used, Waiter or Server paging, diner paging systems and push for service pagers. Each of these systems has its own precise use, Let's look at the different types of restaurant pager system and how they are used.
Waiter Paging Systems
Waiter pagers are used for communication between the kitchen and serving employees on the dining room floor, the transmitter is situated in the kitchen, these usually have a number of calling buttons with an section next to the to write the staff members name, for instance "Button 1 Mary" "Button 2 Joe" in this instance Mary would have pager number 1 and Joe pager number two. When the chef has food prepared for Mary to collect he pushes button 1 and Mary would be instantly alerted by way of a vibration on her pager that the kitchen has paged. Some of the superior quality systems even have automatic recall which calls the serving staff again if the food isn't picked up.
The advantage of with this type of system for the restaurant operator is that they do not need to use runners to deliver food to the diner, waiting staff can collect their own food from the kitchen but don't need to go back to the kitchen until called. this concentrates their time on the dining room floor with customers ensuring that guests get the attention that they desire. Using waiter pagers also offers the chance to run a restaurant without the need for unnecessary staff numbers.
The benefit for the guest is they receive better service since the waiting staff are available should they need to order further drinks or food, this of course also benefits the restaurant operator with happy diners who receive good service usually spending extra money. It also ensures that food is picked up speedily from the kitchen and delivered to the customers table before it begins to go cold or the chefs excellent sauce drys up under the heat lamps on the pass.
guest Paging Systems
guest pagers are used to help manage queues and wait times during demanding times in the restaurant. Maximising table turns during busy periods is essential for a restaurant operator, if the restaurant is busy and walk in customers want a table then it is possible that they will have to wait for a table to become available. Offering a guest pager to allow diners to unwind and wait at the bar or in a patio area is an excellent solution. Guest Paging Systems are available with a variety of pager types, the original coaster pager was probably one of the first styles offered and is still in common use today, they are shaped like a drinks coaster and will flash and vibrate when alerted. New technology systems such the HME Wireless GuestCall IQ diner pagers are more compact and include changeable inserts on the pagers which can be used for restaurant branding or to make known and promote specials. The effect of using a guest paging system is it reduces the possibility of walk aways'. Once a guest is given a pager they can move to the bar area and sit and relax with a drink whilst waiting for their table.
When the table is ready the host or hostess simply enters the correct pager number and calls the waiting customer to be seated. Reducing walk aways during busy periods can have a considerable impact on the revenue of a restaurant. Maximising income during busy periods should be a priority for all restaurant operators.
Push Button Paging Systems
Push for service pagers aren't quite as common in restaurants as the previous two types of pager systems but they offer a number of advantages. A small push button unit is positioned on the guests table when they are seated and the guest is offered the opportunity to call the serving staff when they want service. Some restaurant owners feel that this makes their staff reactive rather than proactive. It is on the other hand an vital tool if a restaurant is operated with low staff numbers, we have all experienced trying to attract the attention of wait staff in a busy restaurant only to give up and decide to get the check and leave rather than have another drink or a desert. This is what the push for service pagers eliminate. A simple press of the button will alert the waiting staff and they will see the number of the calling table clearly displayed on their pager.
Call for service pager systems are all about reacting to the customers requirements and making sure that the customer gets the finest service and the owner maximises revenue opportunities with each table.