Glossary

Book and release

What is book and release?

Book and release is holding tables back from the online book and releasing them closer to the night. A room might publish 80% of its prime-time slots weeks out and release the rest 24 to 48 hours ahead, keeping room for regulars, walk-ins and the chef's guests, or protecting the floor from a fully pre-committed Saturday. Some rooms release in waves (a month out, a week out, day-of) which is also why hot restaurants "suddenly" show availability. Used honestly it is smart yield management; used clumsily it teaches guests the book is fake. The release schedule should be a deliberate decision, not whatever the software defaulted to.