Notification method and device for service providers

A method for alerting a customer to a current availability of a restaurant service by a service provider using a wireless terminal of the customer having an identifier, said method comprising the steps of:

• registering the identifier of the wireless terminal with the service provider using a registration device, the wireless terminal comprising a device for communicating voice and data with others via a wireless telecommunications network to which the customer subscribes;
• determining when the restaurant service for the customer is currently available, the restaurant service comprising the availability of a restaurant table at which to seat the customer;
• using the wireless telecommunications network in determining whether the wireless terminal is active and available to receive messages and, if active and available to receive messages and it is determined that the restaurant service is currently available for the customer, alerting the customer of the current availability of the restaurant service using a message transmitted to the wireless terminal over the wireless telecommunications network;
• receiving from the wireless terminal the customer's confirmation of a reservation for the table;
• and
• providing the wireless terminal with access to a menu so that the customer can preorder food and drink items via the wireless telecommunications network.