a challenging question to BOPOLS or is it?

Question

Saw this sign in a restaurant: PLEASE WAIT TO BE SEATED. Is it grammatically correct?

Answer 1

Sorry to acknowledge the question only now. Signed off early due to a dearth of questions worth answering.

Yes, the sign is grammatically correct.

It is a short version of "Please wait to be seated (by our staff)".

This is because when guests come in, they may just sit anywhere, taking reserved tables in the process. That will mean mayhem.

Then there is also the concept of balance. They seat customers such that the restaurant doesn't look like it is empty in one section, but full in another.

In very exclusive, uppity restaurants, the seating is also based on how the head waiter sees it appropriate. For instance, regular "celebrity" patrons are seated in the best spots, away from the "pedestrians".

Answer 2

If what the restaurant meant to say, was that as all their seats are occupied, any new customers will have to wait until the seats are vacated, then the grammatically correct way to word it would be "Please Wait Until Seats Fall Vacant".
...But, if what they are actually suggesting is that fresh customers will have to sit in the waiting room [or lobby], until a table falls vacant, then they should announce that "Please be Seated, Until Tables Fall Vacant".
The simplest way of expressing their current inability to accommodate new customers, would be to hang a sign-board that simply announces "House Full".
The doorman/doorgirl should be able to inform customers, as to when they can get a table, and also show them where they can wait !

Answer 3

"Please wait to be seated" - yes it is grammatically correct, as previously explained.

A variation that's also correct though with different meaning is "Please seat to be waited on" which has already been explained as well. However, most people would agree that this sign is redundant, even useless - what would customers do, stand?

Probably a lot of people would like the sign (which is definitely grammatically correct too) that says: "Wait on seat to be pleased." But it's not really known if such a sign actually exists, I haven't seen one myself.

Answer 4

it is grammatically correct(coming from not-so-perfect in grammar)

I agree with annabelle the restaurant asks you to wait for the headwater to show you the way to your table.

but would it be better for the waiter to stand near the entrance so they could readily assist incoming customers and so they wouldn't need that sign again?

Answer 5

yeah is grammatically correct.

if this restaurant is very popular, it appeals to the public so much and the costumers are willing to wait just to be served by them, then, it is possible. I've already tried waiting until it is our turn in a restaurant.

Answer 6

It could be in a fine dining restaurant where you are asked to wait for the head waiter to show you to your table. Which is why the sign asks you to wait, not for food, but for your table.

Answer 7

YES...It is grammatically correct!

And very common too in most restos here in the States - except of course in fast food places. What it means is you just can't grab any table you want...you have to wait for the hostess (or maitre d') to lead you to your table. They even do it at buffet places.

Answer 8

lol! why will you wait to be seated in a restaurant?
it may be correct but not for a restaurant

maybe they mean "Please be seated while you wait" (for orders)

in a restaurant they don't make you wait, that's why they encourage you to "Share a table and Win a friend"

Answer 9

must be. you see that in most restaurants here in the US. it might be perplexing for filipinos, considering english is not your language to begin with.

Answer 10

Yes.