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How to book a table for a group

3 min read

Call the restaurant with the date, two times that suit, the headcount and any dietary needs, and ask about set menus and deposits before you agree. Or set your simp to call and book a table inside your times, and it asks you before agreeing to a deposit.

What your simp can't do hereYour simp calls the restaurant, books only inside the times you gave it, and asks you before agreeing to a deposit or a charge. It calls only in its calling hours. Any call your simp is handling ends after 10 minutes.
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What you can do yourself.

A family dinner, a birthday meal or a night out: these work for most group bookings.

  1. Step 1Agree the basics first

    Get a headcount, a date and two times that suit most people before you ring. Changing numbers later is easier than finding a new date.

  2. Step 2Check their group rules

    Many restaurants have a set menu, a deposit or a service charge above a certain group size. Their website or booking page often says.

  3. Step 3Call outside service

    Ring between lunch and dinner, when someone has time to look at the book properly.

  4. Step 4Mention needs and the occasion

    Allergies, high chairs, step-free access or a birthday cake: say it when you book so the kitchen can plan.

  5. Step 5Ask about deposits and changes

    Ask how much the deposit is, when it's due, and by when you can change numbers or cancel.

  6. Step 6Get it in writing and share it

    Ask for an email or text with the date, time and headcount, and send it to the group.

The catch: group tables go first, and a restaurant's phone is often busy or unanswered during service, so it can take a few tries to get through.

How a simp does it.

Alex wanted a table for eight for a birthday on Saturday evening. Bev called, took a slot inside Alex's times, and passed on the two dietary needs Alex had given him.

BevBev - Book a table for eightOutgoing - AI number - 0:39
Example call
  1. 00:02 - RestaurantGood afternoon, how can I help?
  2. 00:04 - BevHi, I'm Bev, calling for Alex. I'd like to book a table for eight this Saturday, any time between 7 and 8pm. It's for a birthday.
  3. 00:15 - RestaurantI can do 7:30. Groups of eight have the set menu.
  4. 00:20 - BevThat's fine, Alex said a set menu is OK. One guest is vegetarian and one has a nut allergy.
  5. 00:28 - RestaurantNo problem, I've noted both. What name is it under?
  6. 00:31 - BevAlex Morgan, please.
  7. 00:34 - RestaurantBooked. Saturday at 7:30, table for eight, under Alex Morgan.

Booked - Saturday, 7:30pm, table for 8. Vegetarian and nut allergy noted.

Give it the date and the numbers. It books the table.

Tell your simp the restaurant, the date, how many people and the times that suit. It never calls without your say-so, and your simp only calls between 8am and 9pm, in the time zone of the person or business it's calling. Calls to a toll-free number follow these hours in your own time zone. It calls from its own number, books inside your times, passes on the needs you've told it, and sends you the details.

What it can't doIt only books inside the times you gave it, and it won't agree to a deposit, a set menu price or a cancellation charge unless you've said yes. You can mark any detail as sensitive, and your simp asks you every time before using it.What your simp is allowed to do

Questions about booking a table for a group.

When will my simp call the restaurant?

When you start the call, or at the time you set: your simp only calls between 8am and 9pm, in the time zone of the person or business it's calling. Calls to a toll-free number follow these hours in your own time zone. Book it for a time the restaurant's phone is answered.

What your simp is allowed to do
What if they want a deposit?

Your simp asks you first. It won't agree to a deposit or share card details unless you've said yes.

What your simp is allowed to do
Can it tell them about allergies?

Yes, if you tell it what to pass on. It says what you've asked it to say. You can mark any detail as sensitive, and your simp asks you every time before using it.

What your simp is allowed to do
Will it tell my guests?

Your simp books the table with the restaurant and sends you the details. Sharing them with the group is up to you.

See the steps
Does it use my AI minutes?

Yes. The whole call counts towards your monthly AI minutes, time on hold included. Your simp waits on hold for up to 6 minutes, then lets you know so you can take over. You can top up in the app if you run low.

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Let your simp book the table.

Every plan comes with a simp that calls the restaurant inside the times you choose.

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