Nowait, the first mobile network for casual-dining restaurants, announced a partnership with Yelp Inc., the company that connects people with great local businesses, enabling Yelp users to enjoy the Nowait experience of viewing nearby restaurants’ wait times and “getting in line” remotely with the Yelp app. Catering to restaurants that don’t take reservations, Nowait helps them replace traditional pen-and-paper and buzzers with its front-of-house, iPad-based system.

“Our partnership empowers us to exponentially expand the consumer side of our network overnight, while adding immediate value for both businesses,” says Ware Sykes, CEO of Nowait, which he describes as a hospitality-first company. “In joining forces with Yelp, we have a strategic partner who shares our passion for delighting guests with amazing experiences at their favorite restaurants, nationwide.”

As part of the partnership, Yelp will be making an $8 million strategic investment. Nowait offers thousands of casual-dining restaurants, including national chains such as Chili’s and First Watch, as well as independent hotspots such as in New York City’s Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant, P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson, and Penelope. 

“Nowait shares Yelp’s love for helping people discover the best places to eat. Our partnership expands Yelp's consumer offerings in the restaurants category,” adds Chad Richard, SVP of business & corporate development at Yelp. “In the coming months, the Nowait experience will be integrated into Yelp, enabling people to see current wait times at thousands of restaurants nationwide and 'get in line' remotely via the Yelp app when there is a wait”.

Since launching their guest app, Nowait has seated more than 500 million guests to date and continues to seat more than 30 million guests every month.