Long restaurant lines have always been a problem when eating out. But a new app is looking to change that - all while helping out charity.
Meet CharityWait, an app that allows users to skip lines at restaurants in lieu of a donation. Users simply need to register for the app, and the names are automatically included into the system once a new group of diners arrive.
CharityWait sends a text message to the party's smartphone, informing them of details such as: wait time, their spot in line, and an easy-access button that allows them to "Donate and Skip the Wait."
When users click on the button the group is then given a specified amount to donate - which is calculated according to the size of the group, the wait time, and the restaurant's prices. Typically, the donations range between $10 to $35, as reported by Eater.
SmartLine chief executive Daniel Reitman notes: "If you are going out to eat $70 steaks then chances are you may be willing to donate more than if you were going out for a burger."
As for those that prefer not to donate, not to worry: this doesn't mean the wait time will be any longer for them. Establishments allow parties to uphold their table reservations for CharityWait users.
SmartLine's CharityWait was launched in April and is only available in the US. As of writing, only 10 restaurants have been using the app. According to CharityWait (via The Guardian), a restaurant can produce an average of $13,000 per year for its selected charity.
"We have raised a few thousand dollars through our small network of restaurants - but we would love to increase our reach. 72% of consumers recommend a brand that supports a good cause over one that doesn't so CharityWait puts restaurants in a favorable position," said Daniel Reitman.
Sixty percent of the donations go to the restaurant's choice of charity, while the remaining 40 percent is obtained by SmartLine. Charities get their share of donations through a lump sum every month.
