Question 1

What is table turnover rate?

Accepted Answer

Table turnover rate is a measure of how many parties are seated at a single table over a specific period of time (usually one hour). It's a key indicator of a restaurant's efficiency. A higher turnover rate means you are serving more customers and generating more revenue from the same number of tables.

Question 2

How is table turnover calculated?

Accepted Answer

The basic formula is (Number of Parties Served) / (Number of Tables) / (Hours of Operation). This calculator simplifies it by using "Total Covers" and "Average Party Size" to determine the number of parties served, giving you a precise turnover rate per hour.

Question 3

What is a good table turnover rate?

Accepted Answer

A "good" rate depends heavily on your restaurant's concept:Fine Dining: 1.5 - 2.5 turns per service (e.g., dinner service). The focus is on a longer, more leisurely experience.Casual Dining: 2 - 3 turns per service. A balance between experience and efficiency.Quick Service/Fast Casual: 3 - 5+ turns per hour. The goal is to serve as many customers as quickly as possible.

Question 4

How can I improve my table turnover rate without rushing customers?

Accepted Answer

Improving turnover is about efficiency, not making guests feel unwelcome. Strategies include:Streamline Service: Train staff to be prompt with greetings, taking orders, and delivering checks.POS Technology: Use handheld POS systems to take orders and payments directly at the table.Efficient Kitchen: Ensure your kitchen line is organized to get food out quickly and accurately.Host/Hostess Training: A well-trained host can manage waitlists and seat parties efficiently to minimize empty table time.

Question 5

What is "Seat Utilization"?

Accepted Answer

Seat utilization measures how effectively you are using your available seats. If you have a high table turnover rate but are only seating parties of two at four-person tables, your seat utilization will be low. It highlights opportunities to better match party sizes to table sizes, maximizing your restaurant's capacity.

Table Turnover Calculator

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Understanding Table Turnover

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