Newbie,obviously you are a knowledgeable diner who would show up on time for a reservation but,generally ,reservations can be a huge problem.
#1 Parties that show up 45 minutes late and you have a second party booked for that table.Now,the party scheduled later for that table is waiting 45 minutes after their time and they get upset.
#2 Parties that change...such as a 6 turns up with 8 or 9 turns into 6 (after you've rearranged the dining room to accomodate them(these folks usually become very angry if you can't fit them in)
#3 No shows...Durring the season,large parties will often make reservations at two or three different restaurants and decide (after a few cocktails) which one to go to and do a no show at the others.This not only robs the restaurant of a couple of turnovers on that table,but hurts the staff as well.
Restaurant owners would LOVE to know exactly how many patrons to expect
but I totally understand the new owners going with the call ahead system.At least they can get set up for a large party without worrying about losing that table.
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