Lack of reservations

[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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[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by joey2665

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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Town Docks is always busy, but I've never waited more than 15 minutes for a table. They seem regularly prepared to handle the volume coming their way.

And absolutely: Staying open at least a couple of weeks into September is a great way to gain loyalty from locals.
It's foolish to shut down the very day seasonal traffic leaves.
"Local business doesn't matter. We'll see you vacationers again next year!"

Don't they know locals tell people where to eat?

This weekend, I'll boat over to Town Docks as a way of thanking them.
I'd go to Wolfetrap, but, you know..

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by LakeDad

I'd go to Wolfetrap, but, you know..

It's too crowded, nobody goes there anymore...

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

It's too crowded, nobody goes there anymore...

I've had ok luck at Garwood this year.
The food is "decent". The menu is limited and a little heavy on sweet chili everything, but it's right on the water and they have their own dock.

If I see it open, sometimes I grab it and go there just to avoid a hassle.

[WinterHarborGuy]

As a 1 1/2 year new resident to Wolfeboro who eats out three times a week, I have a lot of comments on this topic.

But first of all, what is O’s? Is that O bistro?

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by WinterHarborGuy

As a 1 1/2 year new resident to Wolfeboro who eats out three times a week, I have a lot of comments on this topic.

But first of all, what is O’s? Is that O bistro?

O Steaks & Seafood in Laconia.
The steaks are actually a little bit disappointing but the seafood is good and so is the environment.


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[WinterHarborGuy]

Thanks. Not familiar with them…I am 80% eating at W’boros 6-10 places.

[LakeDad]

Originally Posted by WinterHarborGuy

Thanks. Not familiar with them…I am 80% eating at W’boros 6-10 places.

I’ve never been to O’s bistro but they take reservations and it looks good. I’ll try it!


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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by LakeDad

O Steaks & Seafood in Laconia.
The steaks are actually a little bit disappointing but the seafood is good and so is the environment.


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I've never had a bad steak there in about a dozen visits.

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by joey2665

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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Red Hill Dari.......weekends through sept