In this article, you'll find out how to block (or unblock) a table for a given service or for an extended period of time, to make it non-bookable.
Summary
Block a table for one specific service
Block a table for a long period of time
Blocking tables from the Zenchef mobile app (iOS and Android)
Frequent case & FAQs
Support & related articles
What you need to know
Table blocking allows you to make a table temporarily or permanently non-bookable, without having to change your seating plan. This can be useful in the event of breakage, reorganisation or temporary unavailability. It allows you to adjust the availability in your restaurant.
Tables can be blocked for a specific service or for a longer period.
A blocked table cannot be booked online but you can add manually a reservation on it.
Blocking a table will only have an impact on your restaurant availability if you have activated the Table inventory feature.
1. Block a table for one specific service
How to block a table for a specific service:
Go to your Front House
Select the right service for which you would like to block the table -> LUNCH or DINNER on the top bar.
Select/ click the table you want to block.
The pop up will show and you will see the "block the table" button
Provide a reason to block the table.
The table is now blocked and cannot be reserved online.
How to unblock a table for a specific service:
To unblock the table, select the right service again and click on the table again and choose “unblock the table”
2. Block a table for a long period of time
How to block a table long-term:
To block a table for a longer period of time, go to Settings at the left bottom corner
Select Front House > Tables
Select for which area in your restaurant you want to adjust the seating plan and click on Edit
Now, click on the table you want to block for a longer period of time and de-select "Open to online reservations" on the left side of the table plan.
The table is now blocked and cannot be booked online, for all services to come.
How to unblock a table long-term:
Go back to the Front House > Tables.
Select the service for which you want to edit the seating plan.
Click on the table you want to unblock
Enable the option "Open to online reservations" on the left.
3. Blocking tables from the Zenchef mobile app (iOS and Android)
You can also block or unblock a table directly from the Zenchef mobile app, following the same steps as in the web application:
- To block a table for a specific service, go to your Front House, select the relevant service, tap the table, then choose "Block the table" and provide a reason.
- To block a table for a longer period, go to Settings > Front House > Tables, select the relevant area, tap the table you want to block, and de-select "Open to online reservations."
- To unblock a table, follow the same steps and select "Unblock the table" (for a specific service) or re-enable "Open to online reservations" (for a longer period).
4. Common Cases & FAQs
Common Cases
-
I want to always keep two tables reserved for my regular customers.
To do this, use the “block a table for a longer period of time” feature described above. -
One of my tables is broken and I want to block it for tonight’s service.
To do this, use the “block a table for a specific service” feature described above.
FAQs
-
How do I know if a table is blocked?
The table will appear greyed out on the floor plan, and a tooltip will display the reason if one has been added. -
Can I block multiple tables at once?
You can block multiple tables, but you need to click each table one by one to do so. -
Can I manually add a reservation on a blocked table?
Yes, manual reservations are still possible.
5. Support & Related Articles
Contact our support team
For any further assistance, feel free to contact the Zenchef support team via the Chatbot available in your account, or by visiting our Help Center.