Khao San Road politely thumbs its nose at no-shows and ends reservations
Khao San Road has endured its last no-show: as co-owner Jeff Regular predicted back in March, the restaurant has done away with reservations. And we can’t say we blame them. On Toronto.com, Corey Mintz lays out the pros and cons that factored into the decision: they’re now free from those insufferable no-shows, but they’ll also likely lose business from large groups and older customers. Like we said last time, Regular sounds like an infinitely patient dude, so we can’t imagine this decision was made hastily (also: hasty decisions don’t usually involve a pro-and-con list). And the long lines of people without reservations would suggest KSR can still count on a steady stream of customers. Want to join them? Get in line. Read the entire story [Eat] »
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Khao San Road has endured its last no-show: as co-owner Jeff Regular predicted back in March, the restaurant has done away with reservations. And we can’t say we blame them. On Toronto.com, Corey Mintz lays out the pros and cons that factored into the decision: they’re now free from those insufferable no-shows, but they’ll also likely lose business from large groups and older customers. Like we said last time, Regular sounds like an infinitely patient dude, so we can’t imagine this decision was made hastily (also: hasty decisions don’t usually involve a pro-and-con list). And the long lines of people without reservations would suggest KSR can still count on a steady stream of customers. Want to join them? Get in line. Read the entire story [Eat] »){kind=link}
That’s okay, it just means it’s one less restaurant on my list to go to. Sure, restos that complain about having to take reservations can’t be that popular or that good. Otherwise, why aren’t they filling those seats with walk-ins. Ergo, if KSR will no longer take reservation and there aren’t enough walk-ins, does it really solve their problem? Personally, I do not care how good a resto is, I never eat anywhere that doesn’t take reservations.
I don’t get the big deal about cancelled reservations. Is it not typical to give the patronts 15 mins to show up or lose the table(s)? I agree, if there is a group that i am with and i need to ensure a reservation is made and the Restaurant refuses I would not go, do not want the hassle of having to stand around waiting for far too long for a table.
Khao San Road is one of, if not my favorite restaurant in Toronto. As for the prior comments, these people probably have never eaten there. KSR has absolutely NO problems filling seats with walk-in clientele. None. Thats how good the food is. I have waited more than a half hour for a table and ended up sittting at the bar (why wait? the food tastes just as good no matter where you sit). It has always been worth the wait! But as someone who’s had reservations there, it feels like a life-saver by-passing all those folks at the door. One of the owners acts as Host every night to ensure seating runs smoothly. He’s very friendly and accommodating, and his job can’t be easy. Anyone who’s been there on a weekend night knows what that means. It can be HECTIC. There is never an empy table until about an hour after they close their doors. I think the “big deal” in canceling the reservation after a 15 minute grace period is that it can be tricky for a restaurant with so few tables and so many (potential) patrons. It’s just 15 minutes they can’t afford to lose to a no-show and that’s that. I love this place and will definitely return, just not on a night when I have time-restrictions.
I have worked in the restaurant business for ore 20 years and have seen a real resurgence in no shows at restaurants particularly the “newer” and “trendier” establishments. I think it is about time that restaurant owners stand up for themselves and do what is best for business.
It baffles me that people think it is ok to cancel a reservation or no show the day of without any repercussions. The lost revenue from the no show as well as the guests who were turned away is detrimental to the success of the establishment. I highly doubt your group came down with the flu, or was in an accident or slept in. Show up, plain and simple. A lot of places in other cities require a credit card and 72 hours notice.
Khao San Road is always busy, so it makes sense for them to fill the seats in a way that maximises their time and revenue (however much that sucks for us patrons who hate to wait in lines).
Its success goes to show that more restaurants like this – well-priced authentic cuisine – are needed in the Entertainment District, which is filled currently with Jack Astors and the like. There are more and more condos popping up in the neighbourhood and those living there have to travel West for good cuisine.
I see a great opportunity here and if I was in the restaurant business, I’d be locating myself there.