OpenTable

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

OpenTable is an online real-time restaurant reservation service founded by Chuck Templeton in San Francisco, CA in 1998. Reservations are free to end users; the company charges restaurants monthly and per-reservation fees for their use of the system.[1] In 1999, the website began operations serving a limited selection of restaurants in San Francisco[2], since, it has expanded to cover restaurants in most U.S. states as well as in several major international cities.

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[edit] Services for Diners

OpenTable allows users to search for restaurants and reservations based on parameters including times, dates, cuisine, and price range. Users who have registered their email address with the system will then receive a confirmation email.[3] Users can also receive OpenTable rewards points after dining; these points can be redeemed for discounts at member restaurants.[4]

[edit] Services for Restaurateurs

OpenTable attempts to provide restaurant owners with a comprehensive reservation management system. Subscribing restaurants utilize an Electronic Reservation Book to replace existing paper reservation systems. Features include:

  • Reservation Management: Making, changing, canceling and confirming reservations.
  • Guest Management: Keeping track of VIPs, customer preferences and repeat customers. Also allows targeted marketing to customers.
  • Table Management: Assists restaurant staff in seating customers and tracking tables.

[edit] Competition

ReServe Interactive

ReServe Interactive develops and sells computer software for the commercial and noncommercial hospitality markets including hotels, restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities, golf clubs, cultural institutions, private clubs and wineries.


[edit] References

  1. ^ Leson, Nancy (2005-08-17), “Risks and rewards of booking your table online”, The Seattle Times, <http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2002442487_taste17.html> 
  2. ^ Davis, Robin (1999-08-18), “What's New: Snag a Table From Cyberspace”, San Francisco Chronicle, <http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1999/08/18/FD97228.DTL&hw=opentable&sn=043&sc=581> 
  3. ^ Joseph, Scott (2006-09-08), “Table for 2 is a click away”, Orlando Sentinel: E3, <http://www.opentable.com/info/newspage.aspx?id=212> 
  4. ^ Lubinger, Bill (2007-02-21), “Need a corner table? Reservation at 7? Opentable online gets it for you fast”, The Plain Dealer, <http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/restaurantrow/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1171966953286780.xml&coll=2> 

[edit] External links