Built-in Seating API

Manage table reservations with the integrated seating chart and reservation system built directly into your POS.

Overview

The Built-in Seating API provides complete access to the reservation management system integrated with your POS. This system includes visual floor plans, real-time table availability, and automatic table assignments.

When to Use Built-in Seating

Use the built-in seating system when:

  • You want an all-in-one POS and reservation solution
  • Your restaurant uses the POS's integrated floor plan
  • You need automatic table assignment based on seating charts
  • You prefer centralized management within the POS

API Documentation

The complete API reference for the Built-in Seating system is hosted on Apiary, providing interactive documentation with live examples and testing capabilities.

View Full API Documentation

Access the complete API reference with interactive examples, request/response schemas, and live testing tools.

Open API Documentation

Key Features

Seating Chart Management

Access and manage your restaurant's floor plan and table configuration:

  • Name
    Floor Plans
    Description

    Retrieve floor plan layouts with table positions and configurations

  • Name
    Table Status
    Description

    Real-time table availability and occupancy status

  • Name
    Seating Capacity
    Description

    Automatic capacity calculations based on table configurations

  • Name
    Visual Layouts
    Description

    Support for complex floor plans with multiple dining areas

Reservation Management

Create and manage table reservations:

  • Name
    Create Reservations
    Description

    Book tables for specific dates, times, and party sizes

  • Name
    Modify Reservations
    Description

    Update reservation details including time, party size, and notes

  • Name
    Cancel Reservations
    Description

    Cancel reservations with proper status tracking

  • Name
    Check-in System
    Description

    Mark guests as arrived and assign them to tables

  • Name
    Waitlist Support
    Description

    Manage walk-in guests with waitlist functionality

Automatic Table Assignment

Intelligent table assignment based on:

  • Party size requirements
  • Table availability
  • Customer preferences
  • Seating section requests
  • Server assignments

Availability Checking

Query available tables and time slots:

  • Real-time availability calculation
  • Duration-based booking windows
  • Turn time considerations
  • Peak hour management
  • Buffer time between seatings

Integration Scenarios

Online Booking Widget

Integrate reservation booking into your restaurant website:

  1. Query available time slots for selected date
  2. Display available party sizes
  3. Allow customers to select preferences
  4. Create reservation via API
  5. Send confirmation to customer

Mobile App Integration

Build reservation features into your mobile app:

  • Browse available time slots
  • View floor plan and select preferred seating area
  • Manage existing reservations
  • Receive real-time updates and reminders

Third-Party Platform Sync

Sync reservations from multiple booking platforms:

  • Monitor reservation webhooks
  • Sync bookings to POS seating chart
  • Prevent double-booking
  • Maintain unified availability

Authentication

The Built-in Seating API uses the same HMAC-SHA256 authentication as other Shift4 APIs.

For authentication details, see the Authentication documentation.

Getting Started

  1. Review the API Documentation - Explore endpoints and data models on Apiary
  2. Obtain API Credentials - Contact Shift4 support for your API keys
  3. Test in Sandbox - Use the test environment to validate your integration
  4. Implement Webhooks - Set up real-time reservation notifications
  5. Deploy to Production - Launch your reservation system

Support

Need help with the Built-in Seating API?

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