This Is How Long Most Diners Are Willing To Wait For A Table, According To A New Survey
In the bustling world of dining out, time is of the essence. It can be quite frustrating to show up to a restaurant you have your heart set on only to find that there's an exceedingly long wait time. But just how long are diners willing to wait before their patience wears thin? According to a recent survey by Toast, the magic number hovers around 30 minutes, with a whopping 72% of diners citing this as their limit.
Let's break it down. From the moment you step foot into a restaurant to the time you're seated at your table, the average wait time clocks in at around 23 minutes. Once you're seated, it's another four minutes before drinks are served, with food following no more than 20 minutes after ordering. Of course, this all depends on the complexity of the order and kitchen efficiency.
With the quick service and table turnover being shorter than this named maximum time diners are willing to wait, you might wonder why restaurant wait times could ever end up longer than this. To understand how it happens, you need to keep a few factors in mind when choosing a restaurant to dine out at.
Consider a few things before leaving a restaurant — or choosing it to begin with
But what factors contribute to this waiting game? One culprit is restaurant notoriety and popularity. On busy nights and during peak hours, demand for tables at hot spots can skyrocket, leading to longer wait times as staff hustle to accommodate eager diners. Keep in mind that many restaurants also see an uptick in diners over the holidays, when 63% of adults choose to eat out.
Additionally, larger groups or parties with specific seating preferences may require extra time to arrange, further extending the wait for everyone involved. For example, most restaurants won't seat you until your entire party has arrived. And let's not forget about unforeseen circumstances like kitchen mishaps or staff shortages, which can throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans.
With a better understanding of what could impact the wait time for a table, keep in mind that diners with reservations are typically seated within five minutes of arriving, according to Toast's survey. Otherwise, sit back, relax, and savor the anticipation, knowing that a delicious meal awaits just around the corner. So, how long are you willing to wait for a table?