Restaurant Reservations: The Pros and Cons of Open Table

When it comes to making reservations for dining out, OpenTable has changed the game, making it more convenient than ever to avoid talking to a person while planning your evening. The reservation system has also made it easier than ever for restaurants to take note of their guests’ special occasions, allergies, and preferences. But, as with all things, some downsides come with all the positive features. Noelle, Yianni, and Liz are answering questions, including:

• How much does a restaurant get charged for a reservation made on OpenTable?
• Should owners train their staff on the ins and outs of OpenTable, or is most of it self-explanatory?
• How should a server acknowledge “date night” vs. a more traditional ‘holiday’ like a birthday or an anniversary?
• What percentage of restaurants use a third-party reservation system?
• Is it better to tell your server about your special occasion in person rather than including the information in your reservation?