What does the term 'turnover' refer to in a dining context?

In the context of dining, 'turnover' primarily refers to the process of guests being seated and then leaving a restaurant after their meal. This term showcases how efficiently a restaurant can serve its customers within a given timeframe. A higher turnover rate can indicate effective service, allowing more guests to be accommodated in a single time period, which can lead to increased revenue for the establishment.

Understanding this concept is crucial for managing a restaurant effectively. It involves aspects such as table management, timing of service, and the overall dining experience, all of which contribute to how quickly new customers can be seated and served following the departure of previous patrons.