Half empty restaurant couldn't accommodate us with...

Half empty restaurant couldn't accommodate us without reservation. Disappointing especially after unloading kids and grandma from the car.

Reservations required? Perhaps put a big sign out front so you won't waste anyone's time.

If the restaurant wasn't half empty it might be more understandable. But there were literally 5 employees standing behind the host/hostess area.

In my opinion, if you have empty tables and customers with cash in hand ready to give you business - you don't turn them away.