Serena Williams, the tennis legend with 23 Grand Slam titles, recently shared an experience on social media that resonated with many diners. She expressed frustration at being denied access to a seemingly empty restaurant at the Peninsula hotel in Paris, where she and her family had come for the upcoming Olympics.
The establishment responded, apologizing for the disappointment but explaining that their rooftop bar was fully booked, and the unoccupied tables belonged to their gourmet restaurant, L'Oiseau Blanc, which was also fully reserved.
This high-profile incident has sparked a debate about restaurant reservation practices and diner expectations. Experts in the hospitality industry offer insights into why restaurants might appear empty yet unable to accommodate walk-ins.
David Hopkins, president of hospitality consultancy the Fifteen Group, explains:
"Restaurants are increasingly relying on reservation apps like OpenTable, Tock, and Resy to manage their seating. This trend is particularly prevalent in upscale establishments."
Hopkins also notes that many high-end restaurants now require credit card deposits to combat no-shows and late cancellations, a practice facilitated by technology.
Dylan Falkenburg, a veteran of restaurant operations, shares his perspective:
"What might look like an empty restaurant to a guest could be the calm before the storm of incoming reservations. It's a complex juggling act for staff."
For diners hoping to increase their chances of securing a table, experts recommend:
- Making reservations in advance
- Offering to dine quickly if accommodated without a reservation
- Understanding that empty tables may be reserved for later arrivals
- Being aware of cultural differences, especially in cities like Paris
Meg Zimbeck, founder of Paris by Mouth, explains that Parisian dining culture differs significantly from other cities:
"In Paris, many restaurants don't book multiple seatings per evening, and dinner typically starts later than in other countries. This can result in seemingly empty restaurants that are actually fully booked."
Experts also advise being sympathetic to potential staffing shortages, a lingering issue since the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants may intentionally limit seating to ensure quality service with available staff.
Lastly, Falkenburg emphasizes the importance of kindness towards restaurant staff, particularly those at the host stand who often face the brunt of customer frustration.
While Serena Williams' experience has highlighted the complexities of modern dining, it serves as a reminder that patience, understanding, and advance planning can greatly enhance one's dining experiences, whether you're a sports legend or an everyday food enthusiast.