Search blog posts, case studies, solutions and more.

Blog · Customer Stories

Businesses Using NextMe Benefit From Post-Covid Boom

NextME's waitlist app has increased table turns by 286% at Cheeseburger in Paradise, with notifications and a custom Virtual Waiting Room.

Businesses Using NextMe Benefit From Post-Covid Boom

Americans are traveling again, finally. After many months of forced captivation it’s no surprise that people are ready to go somewhere far, far away. People are road tripping with their families, booking flights to new and exciting destinations, and spending money at businesses along the way.

“Nearly nine in 10 American travelers have plans to travel in the next six months – a new pandemic high” - Forbes

“Expedia says that travelers plan to spend an average of $3,444 for their next trips” and “42% of travelers are “more hopeful” about travel or drove them to book an upcoming trip.” - Adweek

Due to the influx of demand, the travel industry itself is kind of a mess right now, but businesses in destination areas, old and new, don’t mind as they are seeing crowds of customers for the first time in over a year. Knowing that it might have been rough getting there, it’s important now for your guests to feel welcome the second they arrive. If there was ever a time to get a waitlist management system, it’s now. Queue it up!

Guest experience is everything, and that starts with the check in/waitlist process. What can I do when I wait? What position am I in line? Can I drink at your bar? After a simple check-in, all of these questions can be answered with your custom virtual waiting room. Aside from the annoyance and discomfort of physical lines, safety is still paramount for some travelers, especially those with unvaccinated children. Eliminating crowds at the door and keeping people informed is a must.

Iconic restaurant group thrives with virtual waitlist app

Cheeseburger in Paradise sits right on the beach in Maui and offers, among other things, “great big gooey, five napkin” cheeseburgers in one of the most gorgeous places on earth. Cheeseburger in Paradise, which is in no way affiliated with the famous singer that shall not be named, is tapping into the post-covid travel boom just based on their location alone.

With wait times stretching over 2 hours, Cheeseburger in Paradise want to keep their waiting guests happy and informed during that time. Before NextMe came into the picture, the staff would call people individually and yell out names until their guests made their way back to the restaurant. This, of course, took a lot of time and staff power. More importantly, this method left seats empty when they could be filled more promptly. Since implementing NextMe, their table turns have increased by 286%.

Cheeseburger Restaurants infographic powered by NextMe showing a 286% increase in daily table turns, from 7 to 20

“We’re turning tables much faster because we don’t have to wait for the guest to return. They already know. And the customers enjoy themselves more while they wait, they don’t have to just stand there in line” - Bryan Bell, Manager

When dealing with long wait times, engagement, and communication are key to improving guest retention. Now guests waiting for a table at Cheeseburger in Paradise can view their position in line through their custom virtual waiting room while they walk around beautiful Lahaina and take in the sites. Most importantly, they can gauge when they need to back so they’re on time for their table when it opens up. Engaged, updated, and on time.

NextMe’s waitlist management system helps your bottom line

After this success, The Cheeseburger Restaurant Group has implemented NextMe’s waitlist app at their sister location and their Waikiki Brewery locations all over Hawaii. Let’s make everyone’s vacation a little more special this year, and help your bottom line along the way. Restaurants, bars, retail shops, and bustling businesses across the country are benefiting from how quick, easy, and helpful the app truly is. Cheeseburger in Paradise is just one example of delicious success.

Learn more about how NextMe’s system can help boost your business right now by booking a demo with one of our friendly representatives. Itching to get started? Download the app from the app store to start your free trial.

Frequently asked questions

How does a virtual waitlist help a restaurant turn tables faster?

Staff don't have to call guests one by one or shout names and then wait for people to return. Guests get a text and already know their table is ready, so seats are filled sooner. After switching to NextMe, Cheeseburger in Paradise in Maui reported a 286% increase in table turns.

What can guests do during a long wait for a table?

They can leave and explore nearby while following their position in line from a virtual waiting room on their phone. Because they can see how the line is moving, they can judge when to head back and arrive on time for their table.

What questions can a virtual waiting room answer for waiting guests?

It can show guests their place in line and tell them what they can do while they wait, such as whether they can have a drink at the bar. It answers the questions guests would otherwise bring to the host stand, and it keeps them informed without crowding the door.

Why does the check-in process matter so much in busy tourist areas?

The guest experience starts with check-in and the waitlist. Visitors who had a hard trip getting there want to feel welcome the moment they arrive, not stuck in a physical line. A simple self check-in and a virtual waiting room keep crowds off the entrance and keep guests informed.

Ready to give your customers a better way to wait?

Try NextMe free for 14 days or book a demo with one of our onboarding specialists.