Paging systems utilised in restaurants can be an every day sight, but why do restaurants use pagers? There are 3 types of system that are most frequently used, Waiter or Server paging, customer paging systems and push for service pagers. Three systems with three distinct uses, here we are going to take a look at each one and how they are used to improve customer service and efficiency in restaurant operations.

Waiter Pager Systems
Waiter paging systems are used for communicating between the kitchen and waiting employees on the dining room floor, the transmitter is situated in the kitchen, these generally have a number of calling buttons with an section next to the to write down the staff members name, for instance “Button 1 Mary” “Button 2 Joe” in this illustration Mary would have pager number one and Joe pager number two. When the chef has food prepared for Mary to collect he presses button 1 and Mary will be instantaneously alerted by means of a vibration on her pager that the kitchen has paged. A variety of the better quality systems even have automatic recall which alerts the serving staff again if the food isn’t picked up.

The benefit of with this kind of system to the restaurant operator is that they do not need to use runners to send food for the diner, waiting staff can collect their own food from the kitchen but don’t need to return to the kitchen until called. this focuses their time on the restaurant floor with guests being sure that customers get the attention that they wish for. It also reduces the quantity of staff required to efficiently operate a demanding restaurant.

The benefit for that customer is that they get enhanced service because the serving staff are available should they need to order further drinks or food, this obviously also benefits the restaurant owner because the check average tends to be higher if diners receive better service. With better communication from kitchen to dining room staff food is collected promptly and reduces the likelihood of cold food arriving to the customer.

customer Paging Systems
Guest pagers are used to help manage queues and wait times during demanding periods 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’s possible they will have to wait for a table to be available. Offering a diner 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 having a assortment of pager types, the original coaster pager was probably one of the first styles offered and remains to be in common use today, they are shaped like a drinks coaster and will flash and vibrate when called. New technology systems such the HME Wireless GuestCall IQ diner pagers are more compact and feature 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 prospect 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 their table.

When the table is ready the host or hostess simply enters the correct pager number and calls the waiting customer that need be seated. Reducing walk aways during busy periods can have a extensive impact on the revenue of a restaurant. Maximising income during busy periods should be a priority for all restaurant operators.

Call for Service Pagers
Push for service pagers aren’t quite as widespread in restaurants as the previous two varieties of pager systems but they offer a number of advantages. A small push button unit is sited on the guests table once they are seated and the guest is offered the chance to call the waiting staff when they want service. Some restaurant owners feel that this makes their staff reactive instead of proactive. It is nevertheless an indispensable tool if a restaurant is operated with low staff numbers, If wait staff are so busy that they don’t see a diner trying to get their attention the customer may not bother to order further drinks or deserts. This is exactly 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 requirements and being sure that the diner receives the best service and also the owner maximises revenue opportunities with each table.

If you would like information on Restaurant Push for Service Pagers click the link or Call Pager Call Systems on 0845 6444109

In the US please contact HME Wireless for Pager Systems for Restaurants 866 611 4202