OpenTable, the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), today announced the global rollout of Seating Options, a feature that allows diners to reserve a seat at the bar, counter, a table outside and more during the reservation process. Not only does the feature give diners the freedom to choose where they want to sit at the restaurant, even before they arrive, but it also increases restaurant availability during peak dining times.
Diners can now easily find restaurants around the globe offering various seating options and table types when searching for reservations across desktop and mobile web, as well as on the OpenTable iOS and Android apps. Alternative seating options are noted with a table icon on restaurant profile pages.
“With Seating Options, diners have the flexibility and freedom to make each dining experience exactly what they desire, whether it’s an awesome scene by the bar or a quiet spot outdoors”, said Joseph Essas, Chief Technology Officer at OpenTable. “It’s also a powerful tool for restaurants, who can now offer diners even more choice, while maximizing every seat in the house.”
Located within GuestCenter, OpenTable’s flagship restaurant management product, Seating Options allows participating restaurants to categorise tables on their floor plan as either standard, bar, high top, outdoor or counter. These alternate seats are typically empty despite being highly coveted. Aside from attracting diners who may be looking for a seat at the bar or on the patio, Seating Options allows restaurants to open up more seats, increase the number of reservations available and ultimately boost profit.
“At Dead Ringer, we receive regular requests for outdoor tables, quieter options in the dining room or for the busy bar area. The OpenTable seating options feature allows guests to choose their desired seating and know that they won’t be disappointed. In addition, we are able to maximise the revenue potential from all of our different types of seating. Previously we could never have booked a party of two to the bar area without letting them know first, but now we’re proactively setting guest expectations and are that much more prepared to deliver great hospitality when they arrive,” said David Hobbs from Dead Ringer.
Seating Options is now available globally with nearly a third of restaurants on OpenTable already using the feature. For diners interested in learning more, visit the OpenTable blog. Restaurants can find out more on the Open for Business blog.
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