Dear Babe,
Sometimes, when I make a reservation at a restaurant, they leave a message the day before I’m scheduled to eat there telling me to call back to reconfirm my reservation. Why?
I find it annoying and disrespectful of my time. Most restaurants just call with a reminder and ask that I call back if I need to cancel. Why do other places make me call them again to re-reserve a reservation I already took time out of my schedule to reserve?
I hardly have the time to call them all day long, and honestly, they’re not paying me, I’m paying them.
Irked,
Multiple Confirmation Sufferer
Dear MCS,
I asked that question of a restaurant that recently made me jump through the same multiple hoops. The place I called was Crown and Crumpet in Ghirardelli Square. They told me that they need to do it because they have such a large number of no shows for reservations and can’t afford to turn people away while these tables sit empty.
We wondered if maybe people are less concerned about honoring their reservations because Ghirardelli Square is such a touristy destination, and though I don’t know why that would make a difference, I don’t want to see Crown and Crumpet go out of business. So I can understand it in their case.
Next time you are forced to make that extra call, ask them why. Maybe they have a good reason, and if not, perhaps you can help them realize how annoying it is.
xx
Babe
Nagging questions holding you back? Babe Scanlon’s got your answer. A SF native, she’s been figuring this place out far longer than she cares to admit, and now she’s ready to share. Email her at babe@sfappeal.com and let the veil of confusion lift. Please do keep in mind: Babe Scanlon is not presenting herself as an expert in anything that means you can sue her or the Appeal if you take her advice and your life tanks. Her recommendations are just that: recommendations.
