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Waitlist & Reservations SaaS (replicate Waitly)

Simple, low-cost waitlist and reservations app for small restaurants and other capacity-limited businesses.

Summary

A focused waitlist/reservations platform that replaces bulky incumbents by offering a simple interface, text-based guest updates (no app required), low flat pricing, and fast support. Joe built this solo, grew via App Store and Apple Search Ads, and serves restaurants plus retail locations.

Problem

Small restaurants and capacity-limited businesses are underserved by complex, expensive reservation platforms and clunky waitlist flows that force guests to install apps or create accounts.

Target customer

Independent restaurants, small chains, retail stores and other businesses that manage on-site waitlists.

Solution

A lightweight web + mobile app that lets staff add guests to a waitlist, sends text links to view wait time (no download required), notifies guests when ready, and includes simple reservations.

Business model

flat monthly subscription (unlock features)in-app purchases / app-store subscriptionspaid onboarding / staff trainingpremium support

Distribution

app store (ios) with apple search adsdirect sales to restaurants / phone demosretail/chain partnerships

Required skills

ios / mobile development (swift)web frontend (react)backend (node.js) and firebasesms integration (twilio or similar)payment/subscription integration (stripe, revenuecat)

Source evidence