System and method for internet-based customer check-in

A web-based graphical user interface configured to enable a customer to be placed on a waiting list at one of a plurality of no appointment, first listed, first served businesses having numerous physical locations, the graphical user interface comprising:

• an interactive map display including a plurality of icons corresponding to the plurality of no appointment, first listed, first served businesses, wherein the icons correspond to physical locations of the plurality of no appointment, first listed, first served businesses, the icons positioned on the interactive map display to show distances relative to each other and a geographic location of the customer, and wherein each of the plurality of icons further display an estimated wait time representing a length of time a customer checking-in at a given time would need to wait to be served at each of the corresponding plurality of no appointment, first listed, first served businesses;
• a check-in screen enabling the customer to be placed on a waiting list at a selected location of the plurality of no appointment, first listed, first served businesses, wherein selection of one of the plurality of icons through user interaction with the interactive map display automatically displays the check-in screen for the corresponding selected location, wherein the check-in screen includes a request for an entry of a name and phone number prior placing the customer on the waiting list at the selected location;
• and
• a confirmation screen confirming that the customer has been placed on the waiting list for the selected location.