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Editor’s note: This installment of Tech Tracker looks at new pay-at-the-table technology and Yelp’s latest move to streamline table management.
More than a year after acquiring Nowait, Yelp is expanding its waitlist features to include Nowait Kiosks and Nowait On My Way.
Through the Yelp app, diners can put their name on a waitlist before they head to a restaurant. The Nowait Kiosk is directed at diners who don’t plan ahead, and walk in to a restaurant without opening the Yelp app.
The kiosk, which sits on a pedestal or counter, allows diners to put their name down on a waitlist instead writing it down on a clipboard. After inputting their information, diners get updates about the status of their table through their phone.
Devon Wright, general manager of Yelp Restaurant Marketplaces, said the kiosks are particularly valuable to restaurants that don’t have a dedicated host.
A handful of restaurants in California are already using kiosk including Súp Noodle Bar in Buena Park, Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen in the Little Tokyo enclave of Los Angeles, Haidilao Hot Pot in Irvine, Slurpin Ramen Bar in Los Angeles, Home Plate in San Francisco, Eats in San Francisco, and The Vox Kitchen in Los Angeles.
Gopchang Story BBQ in New York City is also testing the kiosk.
Nowait is part of Yelp’s arsenal of tools that are aimed connecting users with businesses. The consumer review site wants to be a one-stop app, especially for restaurant users. Besides putting their name on a wait list, diners can also order food for delivery or make reservations through Yelp.
The monthly number of diners seated via Yelp Reservations has...