Smooth Seating: Creating a Waitlist Party with NX Host 🍽️📋
A busy floor is a good sign, but managing the crowd is where the magic happens. With NX Host, adding guests to your waitlist is fast, intelligent, and fully integrated with your customer database.
Our smart system even does the math for you, calculating suggested wait times based on live table data so you can give guests an accurate "see you soon!"
Step 1: Start the Entry
From the Waitlist & Reservations screen, tap the blue + Add to Waitlist button in the top right corner.
Step 2: Guest Information (Smart Search) 🔍
You don’t need to type every detail for returning fans.
Auto-Complete: Start typing a Guest Name or Phone Number. NX Host will automatically search your existing customer list.
Select & Go: If you see a match, simply tap the guest's name. Their contact info and history will populate instantly!
Step 3: Party Size & Wait Time ⏳
Party Size: Tap one of the quick-select buttons (2, 4, 6, 8) or type in a custom number.
Suggested Wait Time: This is where NX shines. The orange Suggested (min) button calculates a wait time by looking at all currently waiting parties and the average duration of seated tables.
Manual Overwrite: You can always tap the suggested time to apply it, or select a standard interval (e.g., 15 mins, 30 mins) if you prefer.
Step 4: Preferences & Notes 📝
Personalize the visit by capturing specific guest needs:
Table Types & Zones: Tap checkboxes for Preferred Table Types (e.g., Booth, High Top) and Preferred Zones (e.g., Patio, Bar).
Special Requests: Use this field for guest-facing needs like "High chair needed" or "Celebrating an anniversary."
Internal Notes: Use this for staff-only info, such as "VIP regular" or "Prefers Server Julie."
Step 5: Notifications & Saving 📲
SMS Notification: Check the box for "Notify via SMS when table is ready" to keep your lobby clear and your guests happy.
Save: Tap the blue Save button. The party will now appear in your waitlist, and the countdown begins!
Need Help? 💡
The Suggested Wait time seems too high/low.
The system learns from your specific venue's "Turn Times." If you've recently changed your menu or service style, it may take a few shifts for the algorithm to recalibrate to your new pace.
Can I change a party's preferences after they are on the list?
Yes! Just tap the party's name on the waitlist to reopen the details and make adjustments.
My regular guest isn't showing up in the search.
Double-check that they were entered into the Customer Manager previously. If not, fill out their info once and hit save—NX will remember them for every visit moving forward!
Still having trouble managing the door?
Reach out to your NX Partner or check out our guide on Managing the Timeline View for more pro tips! 🆘✨