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Seating Guests & Server Rotation

Ensure fair workload distribution and smooth service with the intelligent rotation system.

The Rotation Queue​

The Rotation Queue determines which server receives the next table. It ensures fairness and prevents overloading one server.

How It Works​

  1. System Definition: Manager sets the rotation order (usually by section or arrival).
  2. Next Up: The server at the top of the list is "Next Up".
  3. Assignment: When you seat a table, the system suggests the "Next Up" server.
  4. Cycle: After being seated, that server moves to the bottom of the queue.

Viewing the Queue​

On the Tables screen (Host View):

  1. Look for the Rotation panel (usually on the right).
  2. The top name is the suggested server for the next party.
┌─────────────────────────┐
│  ROTATION QUEUE          │
├─────────────────────────┤
│  1. Sarah (Sec A)       │ ← NEXT UP
│  2. Mike  (Sec B)       │
│  3. James (Sec C)       │
│  4. Emily (Sec A)       │
└─────────────────────────┘

Seating a Party​

Seating Flow​

  1. Select Table: Tap an available table on the floor plan.
  2. Confirm Server: The system auto-selects the "Next Up" server.
    • Note: If the table is in a specific server's section, the system prioritizes Section Ownership over Rotation (depending on settings).
  3. Enter Guest Count: Input number of guests.
  4. Confirm: Tap Seat.

Skipping a Server​

Sometimes you need to skip the "Next Up" server:

  • Reason: They are "in the weeds" (busy), on break, or requested a skip.
  • Action: Tap Skip next to their name in the queue.
  • Result: They stay at the top (or move down 1 spot) but don't get this table. The system tracks skips for fairness.

Forcing an Assignment​

If a guest requests a specific server:

  1. Select Table.
  2. Tap the Server field.
  3. Choose the requested server.
  4. Confirm Seating.
  • Note: This usually counts as their "turn," moving them to the bottom of the queue.

Automated Rules​

Logic & Filters​

The system applies specific rules to suggest the best server:

  • Strict Rotation: By default, the system suggests the server at the top of the list who is marked Ready.
  • VIP Priority: If a party is marked VIP, the system filters for experienced servers (those with few skips).
  • Large Parties (6+): For parties of 6 or more, the system prioritizes servers capable of handling large groups (currently based on active table count).

Status Indicators​

The queue shows status icons:

  • 🟢 Ready: Active and ready for tables.
  • 🟡 Seated: Just received a table (moved to bottom).
  • 🔴 Paused: Manually paused (break/task).
  • ⚪ Skipped: Was skipped for the current turn.

Managing Waitlists & Reservations​

Seating from Waitlist​

  1. Tap Waitlist.
  2. Select the party to seat.
  3. System highlights suitable tables.
  4. Tap table -> Confirm Rotation Server -> Seat.

Seating Reservations​

  1. Tap Reservations.
  2. Look for "Upcoming" parties.
  3. Pre-assigned tables will be marked.
  4. If not pre-assigned, follow standard seating flow.

Best Practices for Hosts​

  1. Trust the System: Try to follow the rotation. It keeps servers happy.
  2. Communicate Skips: If you skip someone, tell them why ("I skipped you because you just got that 6-top").
  3. Watch the Floor: Even if the computer says "Go," look at the server. If they look overwhelmed, enable a manual specific assignment or skip.
  4. Update Status: If a server goes on break, mark them as Paused in the system so they don't get seated.

Troubleshooting​

"Why am I being skipped?"​

  • Check if you are marked Paused.
  • Check if you received a manual assignment recently (waitlist/request).
  • Check standard pacing rules (e.g., "No double seating").

Queue Stuck​

  • Ask manager to reset the rotation queue.
  • Ensure all servers are clocked in and assigned sections.

Voice Commands​

TaskSay
Check rotation"Hey Maximus, who is next in rotation?"
Seat table"Hey Maximus, seat Table 4 with 2 guests"
Check waitlist"Hey Maximus, how long is the wait?"
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