Why Restaurants Use Paging Systems

Paging systems used in restaurants are now an every day sight, but why do restaurants use pagers? There are three types 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 specific use. Let's scrutinize the different types of restaurant pager system and how they are used.

Waiter Paging Systems

Waiter paging systems are used for communicating between the kitchen and serving staff on the dining room floor, the transmitter is located in the kitchen, these commonly 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 example Mary would have pager number 1 and Joe pager number two. When the chef has food complete for Mary to collect he presses button 1 and Mary would be instantly alerted by a vibration on her pager that the kitchen has called. Some of the better quality systems even have automatic recall which alerts the wait staff again if the food isn't picked up.

This offers a number of advantages to the restaurant owner, they do not have to use runners to deliver food to the diner, serving staff can collect their own food from the kitchen but don't have to to go back to the kitchen until paged. this concentrates their time on the restaurant floor with customers ensuring that guests get the attention that they wish for. Using waiter pagers also offers the chance to run a restaurant without the need for excessive staff numbers.

The benefit for the client is they receive enhanced service since the waiting staff are available if the guest need them to place further orders, this of course also benefits the restaurant operator with happy diners who receive good service usually spending additional money. With better communication from kitchen to dining room staff food is collected swiftly and reduces the likelihood of cold food arriving with the guest.

Customer Paging Systems

Guest pagers are used to help manage queues and wait times during busy periods in the restaurant. Maximizing 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 customer pager to allow guests to unwind and wait at the bar or in a patio area is an optimal solution. Guest paging systems are examined with a selection of pagers, the original roller coaster pager offered perhaps one of the first drawings and is still used today, are shaped coaster and flash and vibrate when called. Systems, new technologies such as wireless pager host guest called IQ HME are more compact and contain interchangeable pager or restaurant can be used branding to publish and promote special offers. The effectof using a guest paging system is it reduces the prospect of walk aways'. Once a diner is given a pager they can move to the bar area and sit and relax with a drink whilst waiting for their table.

To call the waiting diner all that is required is for the host or hostess to input the pager number to the transmitter and press send, the guest is then alerted by their pager flashing and vibrating. Looking for ways to maximise income during busy periods should be considered by any entrepreneurial restaurant owner.

Push Button Paging Systems

Push for service pagers aren't quite as common in restaurants as the previous two types of paging systems but they offer a number of advantages. A small push button unit is placed on the diners table when they are seated and the customer is offered the opportunity to call the waiting staff when they require service. Some restaurant owners feel that this makes their staff reactive rather than proactive. It is nevertheless an important 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 serving 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 desires and being sure that the customer receives the best service and the owner maximises revenue opportunities with each table.