Capacity settings determine how many guests can sit at each table. This article explains minimum and maximum capacity.

Understanding Capacity

Each table has two capacity settings:

Maximum Capacity

The most guests a table can comfortably seat:

  • Based on physical table size
  • Safety and comfort considerations
  • How many chairs fit

Minimum Capacity

The smallest party you'd seat at the table:

  • Prevents wasting large tables on small parties
  • Helps optimize seating
  • Can be 1 if you allow single diners anywhere

How Capacity Works

When a customer wants a reservation:

  1. They specify their party size
  2. System finds tables where: min ≤ party size ≤ max
  3. Only matching tables are offered
  4. Customer is assigned a suitable table

Example

Party of 4 looking for a table:

Setting Capacity

Table Min Max Available?
Table for 2 1 2 ❌ Too small
Table for 4 2 4 ✅ Perfect fit
Table for 6 4 6 ✅ Also works
Table for 8 6 8 ❌ Minimum too high

When creating or editing a table:

  1. Find the capacity fields
  2. Enter minimum capacity
  3. Enter maximum capacity
  4. Minimum must be less than or equal to maximum

Capacity Examples

Standard 2-Top

  • Min: 1
  • Max: 2
  • For: Singles or couples

4-Top Table

  • Min: 2
  • Max: 4
  • For: Small groups

Large Booth

  • Min: 4
  • Max: 8
  • For: Medium to large groups

Private Dining Room

  • Min: 10
  • Max: 20
  • For: Large parties and events

Flexible Tables

Some tables can accommodate varied groups:

Flexible 4-Top:

  • Min: 1

  • Max: 4

  • Seats anyone from 1-4 guests Restrictive Large Table:

  • Min: 6

  • Max: 8

  • Only for larger parties (saves table for appropriate groups)

Capacity Strategy

Maximizing Flexibility

Set low minimums:

  • More tables available for small parties
  • Fewer rejected requests
  • Risk: Large tables used for small groups

Optimizing Revenue

Set strategic minimums:

  • Reserve large tables for large parties
  • Better capacity utilization
  • Risk: May turn away smaller groups

Balanced Approach

Mix of both:

  • Some flexible tables for any party size
  • Some protected tables for larger groups

Capacity and Booking

When your AI agent handles reservations:

  1. Asks party size
  2. Checks table capacity requirements
  3. Offers only appropriate tables
  4. Books a matching table If no tables match:
  • Agent explains availability
  • Suggests alternative times
  • Offers waitlist if available

Best Practices

  1. Be accurate — Set capacity based on actual table size
  2. Consider comfort — Don't overpack tables
  3. Balance flexibility — Some protected, some flexible
  4. Review periodically — Adjust based on booking patterns