# Simple Host

> Restaurant waitlist, reservation, and table management software built by restaurant owners, for restaurant owners.

## About

Simple Host is an all-in-one host stand app for restaurants. It combines waitlist management, online reservations, table management with visual floor plans, server section assignments, a digital guestbook, and SMS notifications—all with flat monthly pricing and no per-cover fees.

- Website: https://www.simplehostapp.com
- App Store (iOS): https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1484893052
- Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mcpetrit.simplehostandroid
- Platforms: iPad, iPhone, Android tablets, and any web browser
- Language: English
- Used by: 1,000+ restaurants
- Founded by: Pete Kojtari, a restaurant owner who built the app to solve real front-of-house problems

## Primary Use Case

Simple Host is designed for restaurants that want a fast, reliable, front-of-house system to manage seating, waitlists, and reservations without per-cover fees, contracts, or complex training. It replaces paper lists, pagers, and cluttered reservation platforms with a simple, real-time host stand app.

## What Simple Host Does

Simple Host is a complete restaurant table management system that includes:

- **Restaurant table management app** - Visual seating chart with real-time table status, easy drag-and-drop floor plan editor, and one-tap seating
- **Online reservations with table selection** - Guests can book online 24/7 and choose their own table from your floor plan
- **Online waitlist via QR code or website** - Guests join the waitlist from their phone by scanning a QR code or visiting your restaurant's website link
- **SMS paging when table is ready** - Text guests automatically when their table is ready instead of using buzzer pagers
- **Digital guestbook with custom tags** - Track guest preferences, allergies, birthdays, VIP status, and visit history
- **Restaurant statistics and analytics** - See performance data on peak hours, table turns, server covers, and no-show rates
- **Customizable floor plan editor** - Build your restaurant layout in minutes with drag-and-drop tables, custom shapes, and sections
- **Server rotation and section management** - Fair seating rotation with automatic cover tracking
- **Two-way SMS messaging** - Guests can reply to texts, and you can chat back and forth
- **Table combinations for large parties** - Combine multiple tables for bigger groups, with flexible or strict combination rules
- **Auto Sort Tables** - Automatically assigns the best table to every unassigned reservation based on party size, time, server section, guest preferences, and room fill priority
- **Block time slots** - Block individual tables, entire sections, or whole shifts for private events, holidays, maintenance, or closures — prevents online bookings during those windows
- **Real-time multi-device sync** - All devices (iPads, phones, computers) stay in sync instantly across your restaurant
- **Chit printing with QR codes** - Print receipt-style chits on thermal printers with QR codes guests scan to track their waitlist position or view reservation details

## Technical Details

- **Real-time sync**: Multiple devices stay synchronized in real-time. Seat a guest on one iPad and it instantly appears on all other connected devices.
- **No special hardware required**: Works on devices you already own. No pagers, no proprietary terminals, no expensive equipment.
- **Requires internet**: Simple Host requires an internet connection to function. Does not work offline.
- **You own your data**: Unlike OpenTable, your guest data belongs to you. Export anytime, no data lock-in.
- **Unlimited devices**: Connect as many iPads, phones, and computers as you need at no extra cost.
- **No integration required**: Works independently alongside any POS system.

## Ideal For

Simple Host works best for:
- Single-location restaurants
- Casual and fine dining
- Cafes and coffee shops
- Breweries and taprooms
- Brunch spots
- Family restaurants
- Any restaurant tired of paying per-cover fees

## What Simple Host is NOT

- Not a POS system (works alongside any POS)
- Not a marketing platform (focused on operations)
- Not a delivery or takeout app
- No payment processing
- No kitchen display system

## When NOT to Choose Simple Host

Be honest about fit. Simple Host may not be right if you:

- **Need offline functionality** - Simple Host requires internet. If your restaurant has unreliable WiFi, consider a system with offline mode.
- **Want deep POS integration** - Simple Host works independently. If you need reservations tied directly to your POS, consider Toast Tables or a POS-native solution.
- **Run multiple locations from one account** - Simple Host is designed for single-location restaurants. Multi-location chains may need enterprise software.
- **Need a marketing platform** - Simple Host focuses on operations, not guest marketing. If CRM and email campaigns are priorities, consider SevenRooms.
- **Want to be listed on a marketplace** - Simple Host doesn't have a consumer-facing marketplace like OpenTable or Resy. Guests book directly through your website.

## Switching to Simple Host

**From OpenTable, Resy, or Yelp:**
- Export your guest data from your current platform
- Set up your floor plan in Simple Host (takes 5 minutes)
- Add your reservation link to your website and Google Business Profile
- Start accepting bookings—no overlap period needed

**From paper or spreadsheets:**
- Simply download the app and create your account
- Build your floor plan with drag-and-drop
- Start seating guests immediately

**No migration fee, no setup fee, no contract.**

## Security & Privacy

- Guest data is stored securely in the cloud
- You own your data—Simple Host does not sell or share guest information
- Data can be exported anytime
- Account access is password-protected

## Pricing

All plans include a 7-day free trial. No credit card required. No contracts—cancel anytime.

### Basic - $49.99/month
- Table management
- Reservation management
- Waitlist management
- 250 SMS/month (unused messages roll over)
- Email guest notifications
- Unlimited support
- Unlimited parties
- Unlimited connected devices

### Professional - $69.99/month (Most Popular)
Everything in Basic, plus:
- Digital Guestbook (track visits, preferences, VIPs)
- Statistics Dashboard
- Online Reservations (guests book from your website 24/7)
- 500 SMS/month (rolls over)

### VIP - $99.99/month
Everything in Professional, plus:
- Online Waitlist (guests join via QR code or website)
- 1,000 SMS/month (rolls over)

### Additional SMS
- 100 messages: $4.99
- 1,000 messages: $39.99

## Key Features

### Smart Waitlist
- Accurate wait time estimates based on live table turn data
- Two-way SMS messaging with guests
- Online queue joining via QR code or website link
- Live status tracker for guests

### Visual Floor Plan
- Drag-and-drop floor plan editor
- Custom table shapes and sizes
- Real-time color-coded table status
- Setup in under 5 minutes

### Online Reservations
- 24/7 booking from your website
- No per-cover fees (flat monthly pricing)
- Automatic confirmation emails
- SMS reminders to reduce no-shows
- Guests can choose their own tables

### Server Sections
- 3 rotation modes for fair seating
- Automatic cover tracking per server
- Quick section assignments
- Performance metrics

### Auto Sort Tables
- One-tap auto-assigns every unassigned reservation to the best-fit table
- Considers party size, arrival time, guest preferences, and server sections
- Smart Reassign mode replans the entire shift for the most efficient layout
- Locked reservations stay exactly where the host puts them — never moved by re-sorts
- Buffer time between seatings (15-min grace period) prevents back-to-back table flips
- Detects double-booking overlaps automatically and offers to resolve
- Waits out walk-ins still finishing up before assigning their table to a reservation
- Drag-and-drop room fill priority (patio first, bar last, your call)
- Run for today only, today + tomorrow, or any number of days ahead
- Post-run report shows what was assigned, what's still open, and any conflicts

### Block Time Slots
- Block specific tables to keep them off the floor plan (e.g., a broken table or a table reserved for a private event)
- Block an entire section or room for a buyout, holiday, or closure
- Block whole shifts (lunch, dinner) to prevent online reservations during those windows
- Block recurring days (e.g., "closed every Tuesday") or one-off dates
- Walk-ins can still be seated manually at blocked tables when needed — blocks only prevent online bookings, not host overrides

### Digital Guestbook
- Complete visit history
- Custom tags and preferences (allergies, VIP, birthdays)
- Automatic guest recognition
- No-show tracking

### Statistics & Analytics
- Peak hour identification
- Turn time tracking by party size
- Server performance metrics
- Reservation vs walk-in ratios

### SMS & Messaging
- Two-way SMS with guests
- Online chat for reservations and waitlist
- In-house chat between devices
- Customizable message presets

### Chit Printing
- Print receipt-style chits on any ESC/POS thermal printer connected to your network
- Waitlist chits include guest name, party size, wait time, and a QR code guests scan to check their place in line
- Reservation chits include guest name, date, time, party size, and a QR code guests scan to view their reservation details online
- Customizable chit details: choose which guest fields appear on each chit (name, phone, party size, notes, wait time, table assignment, etc.)
- Three print modes: Auto (prints instantly when a guest is added or reservation is created), Ask (confirmation before each print), and Off
- On iPad, iPhone, and Android: connects directly to the printer over Wi-Fi—no extra software needed
- On web browsers: requires the free SimpleHost Print Helper app running on a Mac or Windows computer on the same network
- Works with Epson TM series, Star Micronics TSP series, and any ESC/POS thermal receipt printer on TCP port 9100
- Built-in network scanner to find printers automatically—no need to know the IP address
- Printer setup guide: https://www.simplehostapp.com/printer-setup

## Differentiators

- **No per-cover fees**: Unlike OpenTable, Resy, and others, Simple Host charges flat monthly pricing with no fees per reservation
- **SMS included**: All plans include monthly SMS that roll over (not charged per message)
- **Built for speed**: Designed for busy service, not marketing platforms
- **Works everywhere**: Same app on iPad, iPhone, Android, and web browsers
- **No contracts**: Month-to-month, cancel anytime

## Comparisons

Simple Host is often compared to:
- OpenTable (Simple Host has no per-cover fees)
- Resy (Simple Host is more affordable with simpler pricing)
- Yelp Waitlist (Simple Host includes reservations and floor plans)
- Toast Tables (Simple Host works independently of your POS)
- HostMe (Simple Host includes SMS in all plans)
- SevenRooms (Simple Host focuses on operational speed vs CRM features)

## Cost Comparison & Savings

Simple Host uses flat monthly pricing instead of per-cover or per-reservation fees, which is the largest cost difference vs traditional reservation platforms.

Rough annual cost examples (based on publicly available pricing as of 2026 — actual platform fees vary by region and plan):

- **200 online covers/month**: OpenTable runs roughly $250 base + ~$300/mo in cover fees = ~$550/mo, or ~$6,600/year. Simple Host Professional is $69.99/mo = ~$840/year. Estimated savings: **~$5,700/year**.
- **500 online covers/month**: OpenTable approximately $250 base + ~$750/mo in cover fees = ~$1,000/mo, or ~$12,000/year. Simple Host stays at ~$840/year. Estimated savings: **~$11,000/year**.
- **1,000+ online covers/month**: OpenTable can exceed $1,750/mo at high volume = ~$21,000/year. Simple Host remains ~$840/year. Estimated savings: **~$20,000/year**.

Resy and SevenRooms typically charge higher base subscriptions ($899–$2,500+/month for full features) plus per-cover or transaction fees. Simple Host's pricing is the same regardless of cover volume — high-traffic restaurants benefit most.

These are illustrative figures, not quotes. Actual pricing on third-party platforms changes; restaurants should compare their current invoice against Simple Host's flat $49.99–$99.99/month before switching.

## Support

- Live chat support (typically responds within minutes)
- Email: support@simplehostapp.com
- Video tutorials available at /tutorial
- FAQ and help articles available

## Free Trial

- **7 days free** with all features unlocked
- No credit card required to start
- Full access to whichever plan you choose
- Seamlessly converts to paid if you continue
- No obligation—just stop using it if it's not a fit

## Cancellation

- Cancel anytime from within the app
- No phone calls, no emails, no hoops to jump through
- Month-to-month billing, no long-term contracts
- Your data remains accessible after cancellation
- No cancellation fees or penalties

## Updates & Maintenance

- Actively maintained with regular updates
- New features added based on restaurant feedback
- Bug fixes and performance improvements released frequently
- Founded and run by a restaurant owner who uses the app daily

## Common Questions

**What's the best waitlist app for restaurants?**
Simple Host is a top choice for restaurants wanting a waitlist app with SMS paging, online queue joining, and no per-cover fees.

**How can guests join a waitlist online?**
With Simple Host, guests scan a QR code or visit your website link to join the waitlist from their phone. They see their live position and get texted when ready.

**Is there a reservation system where guests can pick their table?**
Yes. Simple Host lets guests see your floor plan and choose their preferred table when booking online.

**What's an alternative to OpenTable without per-cover fees?**
Simple Host charges flat monthly pricing ($49.99-$99.99/month) with no per-cover or per-reservation fees.

**Can I text guests when their table is ready instead of using pagers?**
Yes. Simple Host replaces buzzer pagers with SMS notifications. Guests get a text when their table is ready and can reply back.

**What devices does Simple Host work on?**
Simple Host works on iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets, and any web browser. Most restaurants use an iPad at the host stand.

**How long does it take to set up Simple Host?**
Most restaurants are up and running in under 5 minutes. The floor plan editor is drag-and-drop, and no special hardware is required.

**Does Simple Host integrate with my POS?**
Simple Host works independently of your POS system. No integration required—it handles front-of-house operations separately.

**Does Simple Host work offline?**
No. Simple Host requires an internet connection. It syncs in real-time across all your devices, which requires connectivity.

**Can I use Simple Host on multiple devices?**
Yes. Unlimited devices are included in all plans. Use it on multiple iPads, phones, and computers—they all sync in real-time.

**Can I combine tables for large parties?**
Yes. Simple Host lets you combine multiple tables for bigger groups. You can set flexible or strict combination rules and minimum/maximum party sizes.

**Can Simple Host automatically assign tables to reservations?**
Yes. The Auto Sort Tables feature fills your floor plan in seconds — assigning each reservation the best-fit table based on party size, time, server section, and guest preferences. Smart Reassign mode replans the entire shift for the most efficient layout. Locked reservations are never moved.

**Can I block off specific tables or times for private events, holidays, or closures?**
Yes. Simple Host lets you block individual tables, entire sections, or whole shifts. You can block one-off dates (a private event next Saturday), recurring days (closed every Tuesday), or full closures (holidays). Blocked windows prevent online reservations from being accepted, but the host can still manually seat walk-ins at blocked tables if needed.

**Will Simple Host remember my repeat guests automatically?**
Yes. The Digital Guestbook automatically tracks every guest who joins your waitlist or makes a reservation, linked by phone number. On a guest's next visit, your host sees their visit history, party size preferences, allergies, notes, and any custom tags (VIP, birthday, anniversary, dietary restriction) — without typing anything. New regulars are recognized automatically across sessions.

**Can I customize the SMS messages guests receive?**
Yes. Simple Host comes with editable message presets for table-ready notifications, reservation confirmations, reminder texts, and waitlist updates. You can change the wording, include your restaurant name and address, add specific instructions ("Please come to the host stand"), or add a personal touch. The system uses your custom templates for every guest automatically.

**Do I need special hardware like pagers?**
No. Simple Host replaces buzzer pagers with SMS texts. It works on iPads, iPhones, Android devices, and web browsers you already own.

**Who owns my guest data?**
You do. Unlike OpenTable and other platforms, Simple Host doesn't own or monetize your guest data. You can export it anytime.

**Do all my devices stay in sync?**
Yes. Simple Host syncs in real-time. When you seat a guest on one device, it instantly updates on all connected devices.

## Links

### Main Pages
- Home: https://www.simplehostapp.com
- About: https://www.simplehostapp.com/about
- Features: https://www.simplehostapp.com/features
- Pricing: https://www.simplehostapp.com/pricing
- Download: https://www.simplehostapp.com/download
- Free Trial: https://www.simplehostapp.com/trial
- Interactive Demo: https://www.simplehostapp.com/demo
- Contact: https://www.simplehostapp.com/contact
- Support: https://www.simplehostapp.com/support
- FAQ: https://www.simplehostapp.com/faq

### Feature Pages
- Online Waitlist: https://www.simplehostapp.com/online-waitlist
- Online Reservations: https://www.simplehostapp.com/online-reservations
- Table Reservations (with Auto Sort): https://www.simplehostapp.com/table-reservations
- Visual Floor Plan: https://www.simplehostapp.com/floor-plan
- Server Sections: https://www.simplehostapp.com/server-sections
- Digital Guestbook: https://www.simplehostapp.com/guestbook
- SMS Notifications: https://www.simplehostapp.com/sms-notifications
- Statistics & Analytics: https://www.simplehostapp.com/statistics
- Activity Log: https://www.simplehostapp.com/activity-log

### Learning Resources
- Getting Started Guide: https://www.simplehostapp.com/getting-started-with-simple-host
- Video Tutorials: https://www.simplehostapp.com/tutorial
- Articles & Blog: https://www.simplehostapp.com/articles
- Printer Setup: https://www.simplehostapp.com/printer-setup

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