Just a note to add.... I was born and raised in Chicago, worked in what is called "the Gold Coast' of the downtown area for 31 years and owned a business there. Plenty of white tablecloth dining all around me and they took reservations.
It was COMMON to wait upwards of an hour WITH or without reservations because those dining relaxed and enjoyed themselves, lingered over dessert and after dinner conversation, making for what others have said, "a scheduling nightmare' for the staff. You can't just tell people ( as comedian John Pinette would say,) "You go home now, you been here 4 hour!"
Some innovative owners provide an "after dinner' room for those who want to make their dining experience last longer.... but getting people to move to that room can also be a headache, if they are stubborn or half in the bag.
Unless we figured this chunk of time into our plans, we would not choose this type of restaurant, having a concert, play or opera to attend, or an appointment to get to on time. We'd definitely go somewhere more casual, wait 10 minutes for a table, enjoy the heck out of our meal and be on our way.
In addition..... we rarely saw dining parties of 16 or more, like you see on a regular basis here. All things considered, our country clubs do a heck of a job.
|