Restaurant Reservations: The Pros and Cons of Open Table

Restaurant Reservations: The Pros and Cons of Open Table

Author: Kara Restaurant Group January 24, 2024 Duration: 15:13

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?

Behind every great meal is a story that’s often messy, chaotic, and surprisingly funny. Restaurant Punk is that story, told straight from the trenches by the team behind Kara Restaurant Group. This isn't a polished, corporate guide. It's the raw, unfiltered conversation that happens after hours, where decades of hard-won experience collide with the absurd reality of running restaurants. You'll hear the kind of hilarious, cringe-worthy anecdotes that only come from a life spent in hospitality, paired with genuinely humbling advice on building a business that actually treats people well-staff and guests alike. Each episode feels like pulling up a stool next to veterans who have seen it all, offering a necessary release valve for the industry's daily pressures and a spark of inspiration for entrepreneurs brave enough to try it themselves. It’s a blend of business savvy, artistic struggle, and comedic relief, all served up without the pretense. Tune into this podcast for a unique mix of lessons learned the hard way and the unvarnished truth about creating a place where people want to be, all delivered with the kind of energy that keeps the kitchen-and the conversation-moving.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 219

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