Back to Blog

Table Turnover Optimization: Serve More Covers Without Rushing

Increase revenue per service with smart table management

Updated: January 2025•9 min read

A restaurant with 40 covers turning tables 1.2 times per service serves 48 customers. Increase turnover to 1.5 times and you serve 60—a 25% revenue increase with zero additional rent, rates, or overheads.

UK Restaurant Benchmarks:

  • • Fast casual: 2-3 turns per lunch, 1.5-2 turns dinner
  • • Casual dining: 1.5-2 turns lunch, 1.2-1.5 turns dinner
  • • Fine dining: 1 turn lunch, 1-1.2 turns dinner
  • • Average table occupancy time: 60-90 minutes

Strategies to Increase Turnover

Timed bookings (90-minute slots)

+0.3 turns

Set expectations upfront. "Table reserved for 90 minutes." Customers respect this if communicated clearly.

Pre-order for large groups

Saves 15-20 min

Groups of 6+ order when booking. Kitchen can prep in advance. Faster service.

Reduce menu complexity

Faster service

12 mains vs 24. Kitchen produces faster. Less decision paralysis for customers.

Digital menus/QR codes

Saves 5-8 min

Customers browse while waiting. Ready to order when server arrives.

Card payment at table

Saves 8-12 min

No waiting for bill, card machine brought, return of card. Done in 60 seconds.

Clear table efficiently

Saves 5 min

Bus tables immediately after guests leave. Do not wait for end of shift.

Booking System Best Practices

  • Stagger bookings: 7pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm spreads arrivals. Prevents kitchen/service bottlenecks.
  • Hold tables for walk-ins: Keep 20-30% available. Walk-ins often spend more (no time pressure).
  • Reconfirm bookings: Text/email 24 hours before. Reduces no-shows from 15% to under 5%.
  • Charge deposit for large groups: £10/head for 8+. Non-refundable if cancelled under 48 hours.
  • Peak vs off-peak incentives: 10% off Monday-Thursday 5-7pm fills quiet slots.

Conclusion

Table turnover optimization does not mean rushing customers. It means eliminating wasted time: slow ordering, delayed food, waiting for bills. Every minute saved accumulates. 15 minutes faster average table time = 25% more revenue without alienating guests.

Speed Up Payments Too

Faster table payments = faster turnover. Modern card machines with pay-at-table features save 8-12 minutes.

Compare Card Machine Options