TORONTO — OpenTable announced today the rollout of Seating Options, a new feature that allows diners to reserve a seat anywhere in the restaurant during the reservation process.
The new feature will give diners the freedom to find restaurants around the globe offering a variety of seating options and table types when searching on their desktops or mobile-phone apps.
“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,” says Joseph Essas, chief Technology officer, OpenTable. “It’s also a powerful tool for restaurants, who can now offer diners even more choice, while maximizing every seat in the house.”
The new feature will also increase restaurant availability during peak dining times. Restaurants using Seating Options can categorize tables on their floorplan as either standard, bar, high top, outdoor or counter — seats that are often empty despite being coveted. Seating Options also allows restaurants to open up more seats and increase the number of reservations available.
“OpenTable’s Seating Options functionality is a win-win for guests and operators alike,” says Kristopher Collins, operations manager and maître d’hôtel, Restaurant La Banane. “Restaurants can optimize their revenue and offer distinct dining experiences.”
