What is a false wait in the context of restaurant hosting?

A false wait in the context of restaurant hosting refers to a situation where a table is incorrectly deemed to be available, and guests are led to believe they can be seated when, in fact, they will experience a wait. This can occur if the hostess or staff miscalculates the time it will take to clear a table or if a prior party has not yet settled their bill or has lingered longer than expected. This situation is particularly frustrating for guests, as it creates an expectation of being seated that does not align with the actual availability of tables. Therefore, managing wait times accurately is crucial for maintaining guest satisfaction and operational efficiency in the restaurant environment.