Lack of reservations

[LakeDad]

As locals, how many or you are frustrated that you can’t plan a dinner out on the lake? I understand that many tourists don’t show up for reservations, but locals do. I’ve been frustrated more than a few times this summer.
It seems we get the short end of the stick during vacation season, but we are the ones the restaurants depend on early and late in the season and in the off-season.

Surely they can come up with something, even a deposit based reservation system? (O restaurant does this. It works.)
For those of us that plan, It is frustrating to walk to seven different restaurants and find out that each of them has a two hour wait. This is 100% avoidable with simple scheduling tools. Let those who don’t plan wait for a table..

I’ve just about given up on Wolfetrap and others. For the few that do accept reservations: Thank you! You’ll get my business year round.

[TiltonBB]

We have not had that problem by planning ahead.

We called the Lions Den on Wednesday and got a 6 PM Friday reservation for four.

Four of us went to Ellacoya Tavern on Monday about 6:30 PM and we got seated within about 20 minutes, no reservation.

I know Patrick's is busy on concert nights so we avoid it then.

We order pizza to go from Giuseppi's quite often and bring it to the boat to eat. The longest time we have been quoted this summer from order to pickup was 45 minutes.

As people who live on the lake during the summer we are fortunate to be able to go out to dinner during the week when restaurants are less busy. I don't see the scheduling as that bad if you pick and choose when and where you would like to go.

I am more concerned about waiting for a dock when we go out by boat than getting into a restaurant.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

We have not had that problem by planning ahead.

We called the Lions Den on Wednesday and got a 6 PM Friday reservation for four.

Four of us went to Ellacoya Tavern on Monday about 6:30 PM and we got seated within about 20 minutes, no reservation.

I know Patrick's is busy on concert nights so we avoid it then.

We order pizza to go from Giuseppi's quite often and bring it to the boat to eat. The longest time we have been quoted this summer from order to pickup was 45 minutes.

As people who live on the lake during the summer we are fortunate to be able to go out to dinner during the week when restaurants are less busy. I don't see the scheduling as that bad if you pick and choose when and where you would like to go.

I am more concerned about waiting for a dock when we go out by boat than getting into a restaurant.

I do quite a bit of weekday boating and I still run into issues at dinner.
Oddly, I have never waited more than 10 minutes for a dock, even on weekends.

[Biggd]

We have guests next weekend so we needed reservations for 8 Saturday night, O's came thru! A few other places we called had nothing available.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by Biggd

We have guests next weekend so we needed reservations for 8 Saturday night, O's came thru! A few other places we called had nothing available.

Yep, my year round dollars will go to places that care to organize.
Asking to plan a dinner ahead is not asking too much!

[tis]

Wolf trap did try reservations this summer thinking it would help. But if the tables weren't ready the people got upset so they decided it wasn't worth it. I am sure it wasn't everybody but enough so the reservation trial didn't last long.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by tis

Wolf trap did try reservations this summer thinking it would help. But if the tables weren't ready the people got upset so they decided it wasn't worth it. I am sure it wasn't everybody but enough so the reservation trial didn't last long.

It was a poor effort.
You had to call right at 10 the same day, hang up, then dial again until you catch someone, which rarely happened.

It’s 2021: Use an app, a reservation service or at least let people call and schedule days in advance.

Example: I was in Portland for the weekend. Reservations were made the same day we booked the hotel, which was more than a week in advance. We went. We ate. We spent. We’ll return!

[Descant]

1. Turnover is the name of the game. If you call for a group of 4, maybe 6, they can probably do three seatings in an evening., Groups of 8 or more tend to dawdle, not be ready to order promptly, etc.
2. Large groups that are all "chip in," in my experience, tend to tip less

So when they ask "How many?" that may result in a "we're full until 8:30" answer more than if you're a party of four.
When it's hard to find help anyway, taking reservations with a pencil may require an extra staffer.

I hope we'll see:
1. Online reservations
2. with a deposit
3. Reservations with a time limit, at least for the first two seatings.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by LakeDad

It was a poor effort.
You had to call right at 10 the same day, hang up, then dial again until you catch someone, which rarely happened.

It’s 2021: Use an app, a reservation service or at least let people call and schedule days in advance.

Example: I was in Portland for the weekend. Reservations were made the same day we booked the hotel, which was more than a week in advance. We went. We ate. We spent. We’ll return!

Time out--you just posted about "entitled noobs" and dock space (it was a great post!)

But now you are semi-boycotting places in the off season that will not let you make a reservation because (for whatever reason) it does not fit their business model. Isn't this just a tad entitled?

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Time out--you just posted about "entitled noobs" and dock space (it was a great post!)

But now you are semi-boycotting places in the off season that will not let you make a reservation because (for whatever reason) it does not fit their business model. Isn't this just a tad entitled?

Nope. It's just called planning. It’s normal practice at restaurants the world over.
If anything, it's entitling the restaurant to future business by making reservations.

Also, I didn’t say anything about regulation or rule of law.
I simply said I would spend my money elsewhere..

Nobody is trying to force the restaurants to start reservations, but people are trying to force others from their docks and moorings. This is wrong.

[tis]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Time out--you just posted about "entitled noobs" and dock space (it was a great post!)

But now you are semi-boycotting places in the off season that will not let you make a reservation because (for whatever reason) it does not fit their business model. Isn't this just a tad entitled?

That's how he came across to me too.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by tis

That's how he came across to me too.

Then you’re not understanding the difference.
I am asking the restaurants to take reservations and noting which ones I do support.

Do you also choose which businesses you support?
Does this make you entitled? No.

Others are trying to force change.
I’m making a request, understanding that the restaurants have free will.

I’m sure you can understand the difference.


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[tis]

Originally Posted by LakeDad

Then you’re not understanding the difference.
I am asking the restaurants to take reservations and noting which ones I do support.

Do you also choose which businesses you support?
Does this make you entitled? No.

Others are trying to force change.
I’m making a request, understanding that the restaurants have free will.

I’m sure you can understand the difference.


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No, I guess Flying and I are just too dumb to understand.

[AC2717]

what are restaurants supposed to do:
reserve sections for residents vs non residents?
so the place is packed when you want to go or when you call or drive up
isn't that a good thing, helps sustain the restaurant during the non busy season so you can go there then?

I don't get it gripe.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by AC2717

what are restaurants supposed to do:
reserve sections for residents vs non residents?
so the place is packed when you want to go or when you call or drive up
isn't that a good thing, helps sustain the restaurant during the non busy season so you can go there then?

I don't get it gripe.

I don't think they should reserve a section for residents vs non.
This would be kind of elitist and difficult to track.

I'm just noting that a few restaurants, including O's, have successfully launched a deposit based reservation system. It works well: People who aren't serious won't reserve, but if you know you are going to show, pay the deposit.

They get my business as a result of this. If others want to do the same, I'll frequent their establishment, too.

O's, Ellacoya and Dockside all do a good job of this. Only O's requires a deposit, but that's fine with me. I can book it and know it's a lock...

[rsmlp]

Love the idea! Separate the wheat from the chaff.

[John Mercier]

Demand pricing. Raise prices when demand is high, lower them when it isn't.
We have done it for years with sales and specials in the retail world.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by LakeDad

I don't think they should reserve a section for residents vs non.
This would be kind of elitist and difficult to track.

I'm just noting that a few restaurants, including O's, have successfully launched a deposit based reservation system. It works well: People who aren't serious won't reserve, but if you know you are going to show, pay the deposit.

They get my business as a result of this. If others want to do the same, I'll frequent their establishment, too.

O's, Ellacoya and Dockside all do a good job of this. Only O's requires a deposit, but that's fine with me. I can book it and know it's a lock...

We reserved at O's for this coming Saturday, we paid no such deposit. They told us they have 2 seating's for reservations, 5pm and 8pm or you can show up and wait.
Since we have a group of 8, show up and wait wasn't an option esp since their bar isn't very big.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by Biggd

We reserved at O's for this coming Saturday, we paid no such deposit. They told us they have 2 seating's for reservations, 5pm and 8pm or you can show up and wait.
Since we have a group of 8, show up and wait wasn't an option esp since their bar isn't very big.

You highlight another issue locals have:
We get visitors. Lots of them. We like to show them the lake and take them out to eat.
If they had a good experience, maybe they'd vacation here.

My last guest had me embarrassed.
August 10th (weekday)
We docked in Wolfeboro.

Wolfetrap was 1:45 wait.
Pavilion takes reservations, but was closed that day (understandable)
El Centenario had an hour and a half wait. We put our name in and continued walking.
Garwoods was closed for a private event
Dockside grille was just slammed
Nolan's had a 2 hour wait.

Most barely answer the phone (or not at all), so we walked around to each, then back to El Centenario. We were finally seated, had our order taken and it was an hour before appetizers showed. We are now 2.5 hours, more like 3, from the time we docked to eat.

It's not a good scene lately, haha!

I did try Wolfetrap 3 times this year, unsuccessfully all the times.
Once, the wait was 1:45. Pass
2nd time, shut down due to a Covid exposure.
3rd time, "We don't know when we can seat you, but at least an hour and a half".

Wolfetrap takes more effort, too: I can't get under the bridge, so I dock at the town docks and walk over there. I'm happy to do it if I can actually get a seat.

Just let me book a darn reservation. My money is good and it's consistent..

And to add insult to injury, Pop's runs for the hills after Labor Day.
Dude, give us a week or two to enjoy it! Glad I got them in early...

Ellacoya: Thank you, we love you, please don't change!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by LakeDad

You highlight another issue locals have:
We get visitors. Lots of them. We like to show them the lake and take them out to eat.
If they had a good experience, maybe they'd vacation here.

My last guest had me embarrassed.
August 10th (weekday)

We docked in Wolfeboro.

Wolfetrap was 1:45 wait.
Pavilion takes reservations, but was closed that day (understandable)
El Centenario had an hour and a half wait. We put our name in and continued walking.
Garwoods was closed for a private event
Dockside grille was just slammed
Nolan's had a 2 hour wait.

Most barely answer the phone (or not at all), so we walked around to each, then back to El Centenario. We were finally seated, had our order taken and it was an hour before appetizers showed. We are now 2.5 hours, more like 3, from the time we docked to eat.

It's not a good scene lately, haha!

I did try Wolfetrap 3 times this year, unsuccessfully all the times.
Once, the wait was 1:45. Pass
2nd time, shut down due to a Covid exposure.
3rd time, "We don't know when we can seat you, but at least an hour and a half".

Wolfetrap takes more effort, too: I can't get under the bridge, so I dock at the town docks and walk over there. I'm happy to do it if I can actually get a seat.

Just let me book a darn reservation. My money is good and it's consistent..

And to add insult to injury, Pop's runs for the hills after Labor Day.
Dude, give us a week or two to enjoy it! Glad I got them in early...

Ellacoya: Thank you, we love you, please don't change!

I agree it would be nice if seasonal places like Pops, Lukilani, Sawyer’s ect stayed open a weekend or two after Labor Day like Town Docks does.


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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by LakeDad

As locals, how many or you are frustrated that you can’t plan a dinner out on the lake? I understand that many tourists don’t show up for reservations, but locals do. I’ve been frustrated more than a few times this summer.
It seems we get the short end of the stick during vacation season, but we are the ones the restaurants depend on early and late in the season and in the off-season.

Surely they can come up with something, even a deposit based reservation system? (O restaurant does this. It works.)
For those of us that plan, It is frustrating to walk to seven different restaurants and find out that each of them has a two hour wait. This is 100% avoidable with simple scheduling tools. Let those who don’t plan wait for a table..

I’ve just about given up on Wolfetrap and others. For the few that do accept reservations: Thank you! You’ll get my business year round.

It was crazy busy this weekend and they are short on help so someone is going to be disappointed with the outcome.
I was by myself last night just looking for a seat at a bar. I went to 5 places and there were no seats available. I finally went back to the first place, The Mug, and waited for someone to leave. It was worth the wait!
Quite a few places closed for the Labor Day weekend due to lack of help and over worked regular staff.

[WinnisquamZ]

Labor Day is here. So locals can soon venture out once again


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[camp guy]

For what it's worth, the guiding principle of a restaurant is to fill the seats, and, if they can fill their seats from walk-ins, and avoid the hassles of reservations and potential no-shows, particularly in the summer, then I can't fault them for going that route. I have a feeling that if a customer needed a reservation for a specific party (anniversary, birthday, etc), and called and spoke with the manager, the restaurant would accommodate the patron.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by camp guy

For what it's worth, the guiding principle of a restaurant is to fill the seats, and, if they can fill their seats from walk-ins, and avoid the hassles of reservations and potential no-shows, particularly in the summer, then I can't fault them for going that route. I have a feeling that if a customer needed a reservation for a specific party (anniversary, birthday, etc), and called and spoke with the manager, the restaurant would accommodate the patron.

I tried on numerous occasions to make a reservation well in advance and they won’t hear it. “Walk in only”.
Locals support the economy here all year, so I’ll spend where I feel wanted.
If you only want my business when it’s easy for you (slow), I’ll grant it to someone else who tries to accommodate me during the more difficult time of the year.

I ate at Wolfetrap 25+ times last year.
Zero times this year. I’m over the crapshoot.

O’s does reservations. So does Dockside and Ellacoya.
If the others want any of my business at all, they’ll come up with a way that locals can reserve in season.

This isn’t tough to do in 2021 and there are apps that manage it.

[BoatHouse]

Originally Posted by LakeDad

I ate at Wolfetrap 25+ times last year.
Zero times this year. I’m over the crapshoot.

I ate at the Wolfetrap 4 or 5 times this year. Weekends and weekdays. Waited 30-40 mins. It was worth the wait. We live in Wolfeboro so a couple of times I went down and put my name in before the rest of the group came. Had a drink sitting by the docks while we waited.

Earlier in the year, they would take a limited number of reservations, but that stopped at some point.

Give it another chance. I think if you don't mind sitting in the bar area, you can get in quicker.

[thinkxingu]

Though we've had a couple issues throughout the summer, this weekend was absolutely an anomaly given how many places were closed for the holiday. JoJo's was out of meatballs yesterday afternoon, Greene's Market was a two-hour wait last night, Lee Wah was over an hour...

We eat at off-hours and just accept that it's a reflection of the current system. I mean, in some cases—like Tuckaway Tavern—it's always that way, so no biggie for us.

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[LakeDad]

Good review time!
I made a reservation for O’s Bistro this week and it was good: The hostess, server (Kimberly) and food were all great!

I’m always underwhelmed by the steaks from this restaurant group but everything else is above average.
Try the mushroom risotto.

Pavilion is next on the list to try. Any recommendations?


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[hockeypuck]

Let’s think a minute. In these COVID times restaurants are caught between a rock and a very hard space. Social spacing reduces seating, sanitizing everything takes time and money, not enough people willing to work, those that do can demand higher wages. Higher prices may hurt business. As things open up some customers just want everything back to normal and have a short fuse when wait times are longer and service may be a bit slower. Most restaurants need the tourists during the busy season to stay in business, make a profit and need the locals year round to pay the bills. There may be difficulties making a reservation or the line may be long, it doesn’t mean they are crowded. If you have a favorite restaurant (s) show some patience and try to work with them so that your favorite(s) will be there when normal returns.
Yogi..”Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.”
Hockey puck…”Nobody goes there anymore, IT’S CLOSED!”

[John Mercier]

I think this is less a covid issue than a structural issue.

Regardless of covid, this issue is going to be with us for a long time.

https://www.sentinelsource.com/news/...4c486a2e3.html

''As the population changes, so do the demands for housing and municipal services.

Waterville Valley used to have major fluctuations in population depending on the season.

But in recent years, many families have converted their vacation homes into permanent residences. Daily demands on water, sewer, and trash facilities are up, even though the tax base has remained about the same.

Town manager Mark Decoteau assumed this would be a one-year spike. But enrollment numbers for the upcoming school year suggest most of these families are staying.

“We were wondering how much this would continue, and we’re starting to get answers to that. We’ve added 7% to our population this year [2021],” he says. “The growth hasn’t stopped and I don’t think as many people as we thought are going back.”

Growth of permanent residents is also significant in the vacation towns of Jackson, Sugar Hill, and Moultonborough.''

This came from NPR... but is borne out by the amount of building in those areas. Higher demand on municipal and county services generally result in budget expenditures... and those higher taxes result in it being even harder for the working class to find housing.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I think this is less a covid issue than a structural issue.

Regardless of covid, this issue is going to be with us for a long time.

https://www.sentinelsource.com/news/...4c486a2e3.html

''As the population changes, so do the demands for housing and municipal services.

Waterville Valley used to have major fluctuations in population depending on the season.

But in recent years, many families have converted their vacation homes into permanent residences. Daily demands on water, sewer, and trash facilities are up, even though the tax base has remained about the same.

Town manager Mark Decoteau assumed this would be a one-year spike. But enrollment numbers for the upcoming school year suggest most of these families are staying.

“We were wondering how much this would continue, and we’re starting to get answers to that. We’ve added 7% to our population this year [2021],” he says. “The growth hasn’t stopped and I don’t think as many people as we thought are going back.”

Growth of permanent residents is also significant in the vacation towns of Jackson, Sugar Hill, and Moultonborough.''

This came from NPR... but is borne out by the amount of building in those areas. Higher demand on municipal and county services generally result in budget expenditures... and those higher taxes result in it being even harder for the working class to find housing.

Within the last year or two the N.H. legislature passed a bill naming the road into Waterville Valley, Route 49 in honor of Town Manager Mark Decoteau's late son Marc P. Decoteau and there's two small, dark military blue memorial signs for him spaced about seven miles apart as you travel Route 49.

Something to look for and think about on your next drive into Waterville Valley, 'the town at the end of the road':

http://www.runforthefallennh.com/arm...-decoteau.html

One sign is at the Thornton-Waterville Valley town line, and the other sign is at the corner of Tripoli Rd, ski area corner, and Route 49.

[winniwannabe]

Recently went to Patrick's Pub w/ a party of 7 and we had excellent service. Made reservations and arrived on time. I think some folks want immediate
gratification when they arrive, and that's not the case. I hope the restaur-
ants bounce back next year to accommodate all who dine out without any
bickering or entitlement issues.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by winniwannabe

Recently went to Patrick's Pub w/ a party of 7 and we had excellent service. Made reservations and arrived on time. I think some folks want immediate
gratification when they arrive, and that's not the case. I hope the restaur-
ants bounce back next year to accommodate all who dine out without any
bickering or entitlement issues.

No one wants immediate gratification. Don’t misrepresent my/our position like that.

Did you note that you had a *reservation* at Patrick’s?
And it was a great experience?

You just showed the point of this post.


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[John Mercier]

I think they were referencing after being seated on the immediate gratification.