Changing from 8 to 9 through CRO would be tough. For an 8 they book two tables of 4, and for a 9 it would be a 6 and a 4 top. So for them to officially do it, there would need to be a 6 top open at the same time as a 4. Are any of the children in high chairs? If so they might be able to put 9 at the two 4 tops. (Depending on which tables they assign you.) Also if the children are small 9 might be able to fit even if there isnt a child in a high chair. They also keep head counts of the servers sections that they technically should not go over....but depending on the manager that morning...they go over. (I can't think of too many times in the 5 months I worked there that we worried about the head counts!) So if CRO can't do it, then try and just show up with 9 and see if they can do it, but just in case they cant make sure there is someone who is willing to not go. And please, dont yell at them if they say they cant accomodate the 9th person, I had so many people curse me out when we couldnt!