Bern’s new reservation policy adds no show fees benefiting Feeding Tampa Bay

As part of an ongoing effort to manage growing concerns around reservations, Bern’s Steak House announced that effective immediately they will require credit cards to secure bookings.  All no-show reservations, and reservation cancellations made within 24-hours or less of the booking will be subject to a $25 per person charge.  One-hundred percent of the monies that result from the cancellations will benefit Feeding Tampa Bay, a 501c(3) focused on providing food to about 1 million food insecure families in the 10-county area of West Central Florida.

“Bern’s Steak House has been part of this community for more than 65 years, because of our dedication to exceptional quality and service,” says David Laxer, owner, Bern’s Steak House.  “While we’ve been blessed with a healthy reservation book over the years, prime-time reservations have become increasingly challenging as of late.  Our team continues to find best practices for accommodating as many reservations as operationally possible, and holding our guests accountable for their commitment to dine is one of many measures we are taking to protect the reservation process.  The fee is intended to create a sense of responsibility.  A properly cancelled reservation allows for an opening in our system for another guest to dine.  In the chance a customer is in default, the monies will go to a good cause that supports community.”

Bern’s Steak House steps up its reservation policy

Bern’s migrated to an online booking platform in 2017, but continues to maintain the ability for guests to call for reservations.  Contributing factors to the reservation challenges including a change in May of 2022 to open six-days (instead of seven), as well as continuing to operate the dining room at 85 percent pre-COVID capacity. Most talked-about concerns surrounding the reservation system include speculation of a third-party company utilizing Internet bots to book reservations.  A detailed investigation has revealed that this is user-abuse, with people posing as interested guests who work the reservation system, and benefit from the sale of securing prime-time reservations.  This issue is being legally investigated.  

The new reservation policy allows for Bern’s to cancel or decline any reservation that is suspected to have originated via a trade or unauthorized third-party website, app or social media platform. Reservations are released on a rolling 60-day booking and are released at 12am each morning, and can be made online by visiting their website or by calling 813.251.2421 during regular business hours. Reservations are non-transferrable and now, may require identification upon check-in.  For more information or to review the complete reservation policy, please visit their website.

Bern’s Steak House, 1208 S Howard Avenue

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