Waiter Mobile App: Tableside Ordering and Order Tracking

The waiter mobile app is a smartphone application that enables waiters to take orders directly at the table, track order status in real time, and manage their assigned tables — all from their personal phone or a restaurant-provided device. Built with React Native and available for Android and iOS, the app connects to RestaurantManage's backend via real-time WebSocket so waiters always see the latest kitchen status. This guide covers setup, daily usage, and tips for efficient tableside service.

How Do I Set Up the Waiter App?

1. Download the app: Install RestaurantManage from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Log in: Use the waiter account credentials provided by your restaurant admin.
3. Select your restaurant: If the admin has linked your account, your restaurant loads automatically.
4. Check the connection: The SyncStatusPill at the top of the screen shows green when connected to the server.
5. Start taking orders: Tap a table from the table list to begin adding items.

How Do I Take an Order at the Table?

From the table list, tap the table where the customer is seated. The app opens the menu browser with all categories and items. Tap items to add them to the current order — adjust quantities, add notes for special requests (like 'no onions' or 'extra sauce'), and review the order summary before sending. When ready, tap the send button and the order is transmitted to the kitchen display within one second. The waiter receives a notification when the kitchen marks the order as Ready, so they know exactly when to pick up the food from the pass.

How Do I Track Order Status?

The app provides real-time visibility into every order's progress. The order screen shows all active orders grouped by table, with each order displaying its current status: Received, Preparing, Ready, or Served. Status changes pushed by the kitchen appear instantly on the waiter's phone — no need to walk to the kitchen to check. Push notifications alert the waiter when an order moves to Ready status, which is the signal to pick up from the pass. This eliminates unnecessary trips to the kitchen and reduces the time food sits waiting at the pass.

How Do I Manage My Tables?

The table list view shows all tables in the restaurant with color-coded status indicators. Waiters can see which tables are occupied, which have pending orders, and which are waiting for payment. Tapping a table shows its full order history for the current session, the elapsed time since the table was opened, and the current total. In multi-waiter setups, the app can filter to show only the tables assigned to the logged-in waiter, reducing visual clutter during busy shifts. Table status updates sync across all connected devices in real time.

What Are the Key Features?

• Real-time sync: Orders and status updates travel via WebSocket — no manual refresh needed
• Push notifications: Get alerted when orders are ready for pickup
• Multi-language: The app supports English, Turkish, and Arabic with RTL layout
• Offline awareness: SyncStatusPill shows connection state — if disconnected, a warning appears
• Item notes: Add per-item special requests that kitchen staff see on their display
• Table filtering: See only your assigned tables in multi-waiter mode

Related Guides

• QR menu: How the customer-facing QR menu works alongside waiter ordering
• Kitchen display: How the kitchen receives and processes waiter orders
• Getting started: Full setup guide from registration to first order