Abstract: A system and method for enabling a customer to utilize a smart phone to communicate with a waiter in a restaurant. The phone connects to a wireless LAN within the restaurant and, in a first embodiment, downloads a location-based communication application, which reports the phone's location to a Website Application Server (AS), which identifies the restaurant. The customer enters a table number, and the Website AS pushes a screen to the phone displaying buttons for requesting services. When the customer presses a button, the Website AS informs the LAN controller, which identifies an assigned waiter and routes the service request to the waiter. In another embodiment, the phone connects to the LAN and the customer enters a web page address. An Access Point routes the request to the LAN controller, which pushes the display screen to the phone, handles service requests, and notifies the assigned waiter.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a customer to utilize a smart phone to communicate with a waiter in a restaurant. The phone connects to a wireless LAN within the restaurant and, in a first embodiment, downloads a location-based communication application, which reports the phone's location to a Website Application Server (AS), which identifies the restaurant. The customer enters a table number, and the Website AS pushes a screen to the phone displaying buttons for requesting services. When the customer presses a button, the Website AS informs the LAN controller, which identifies an assigned waiter and routes the service request to the waiter. In another embodiment, the phone connects to the LAN and the customer enters a web page address. An Access Point routes the request to the LAN controller, which pushes the display screen to the phone, handles service requests, and notifies the assigned waiter.