Table Paging Types and Styles

Learn about available table paging types and styles to help your restaurant

As a restaurant owner or manager, you're interested in learning more about table paging types and styles. Restaurants want to use the most effective and up-to-date procedures to alert customers to ready tables. If the waiting process is troublesome or the calling method ineffective, the customers leave or choose not to return for a next visit.

The most common table paging types and styles include visual, tactile, and audio. Some paging types include two or more of the sensory methods. When thinking about how your restaurant will page customers to their tables, consider the following information about paging tables types and styles:

1. Visual paging table systems visually alert all customers of the tables ready for service.

2. Tactile paging tables methods alert individual customers who have a table ready.

3. Audio paging tables systems alert customers of available tables through a PA system.

 

Use visual signs for table paging at a restaurant

Restaurant owners can post visual digital signs in the waiting areas to alert customers of available tables. Restaurant workers give customers a number upon arrival. When the table is available, the workers key in the number on a number pad and the number displays on the sign for customers. Restaurant owners must ensure that displays are in all waiting areas, including outside areas and bars. Customers can view the sign frequently to check for their number. Many customers like this style because they can view numbers called to determine how soon their turn will come.
Try: Ctronix offers a paging visual sign in the form of a plaque that lists the last six numbers called for tables. Micro Frame also offers visual paging tables systems. Purchase the digital sign wireless or with wires.

Purchase a buzzer paging table system to notify customers

Many restaurants choose to purchase individual buzzers or vibrators to give to customers upon arrival. The paging station sets the vibrator off when the table is ready; the buzzers vibrate and/or glow when contacted by the paging station. Using this method, customers do not need to be in visual sight of a sign. However, they must be within frequency reach of the paging station. Other customers are not aware of the calling order.
Try: Call Systems sells vibrator guest pagers. They also offer the Glowster, which lights up and vibrates. Long Range Systems sells guest paging systems uniquely in the shape of lobsters and pizza for specialty restaurants.

Consider audio paging table microphone systems to alert customers of available tables

Some restaurants prefer to alert customers of their table availability by simply having a worker announce that the table is ready. In most cases, workers make the announcement in the form of the party's last name and number of guests. A microphone PA system is used. The key to this system is to ensure that guests hear the announcement in all possible waiting areas, including outside and in the restrooms.
Try: All Things POS offers a desktop paging system for restaurant table paging. Samson Tech sells an audio paging system that features a chime to alert guests that an announcement will follow.

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