OpenTable

What Is OpenTable?

OpenTable is a restaurant management platform built for restaurants to handle reservations, table management, waitlists, and day-to-day service from one platform. Using the software, restaurants can manage bookings from different channels. These include their own website, OpenTable software, and other partner sites, ensuring real-time availability updates. It also connects with their POS to track revue and order details. Additionally, OpenTable comes with tools to manage restaurant listings, guest information, reviews, and bookings on the go.

What Is OpenTable Best For?

Among different OpenTable features, it is best known for its “Table Management” capabilities. It gives restaurants the flexibility to tailor floor plans, manage different table types, and adjust availability accordingly. As it supports integration with the restaurant's POS system, table status remains updated automatically. Furthermore, it has waitlist tools that help fill tables as they open up.

How Much Does OpenTable Cost?

OpenTable price starts at $149/month for its Basic plan. It comes with multiple features, with notable ones being OpenTable profile and listing, booking widget, review management, and digital advertising.

Further pricing tiers of the software are as follows:

• Core: $299/month
• Pro: $499/month

Apart from the base subscription cost, restaurants should also budget for the following additional expenses:

• Per Network Cover Fee: Between $1.50/cover and $1/network cover, depending on the plan
• Reservations From Your Website: $0.25/cover or $49/month flat (Basic plan only)
• Prepaid Experiences: 2% service fee
• Prepaid Ticketing: 2% service fee

Users cite OpenTable pricing as relatively high. Particularly, it may not suit independent and small to mid-sized restaurants with limited budgets. Concerns are raised for per-cover fees that can add up over time. However, some feel its capabilities justify the higher cost.

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

OpenTable Integrations

OpenTable integrates with several third-party apps, including:

• Mailchimp software
• Loyalist
• Oracle Opera
• Cendyn CRM
• Stripe

How Does OpenTable Work?

Here’s how you can get started with OpenTable:

• Log in to your OpenTable restaurant account
• Set up your restaurant profile with details such as location, menu, photos, and booking information
• Create custom floor plans, table types, and availability settings based on your dining room
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and real-time table inventory as guests book or arrive
• Assign tables and adjust seating arrangements while using POS updates to keep table statuses current
• Coordinate each shift by reviewing upcoming reservations, guest notes, events, covers, and revenue information
• Engage guests by maintaining profiles, preferences, reviews, surveys, and targeted communications
• Review reports on reservations, turn times, covers, revenue, and marketing activity to evaluate each shift and plan ahead

Who Is OpenTable For?

OpenTable suits different businesses within the hospitality industry. These include:

• Restaurants
• Hotels and casinos
• Bars and wineries

OpenTable Use Cases

Based on our analysis of OpenTable features, user reviews, and common restaurant workflows, we identified the following situations where the platform is a good fit:

1. Busy Restaurants Managing High-Volume Service

Restaurants handling a steady mix of reservations and walk-ins can use OpenTable to organize seating during peak hours. Using the software, teams can make adjustments to table availability, manage waitlists, and keep track of expected covers and guest notes. This is especially useful for full-service restaurants where table turnover impacts how much they can serve during a shift.

2. Restaurants Trying To Make Better Use Of Available Tables

OpenTable works well for restaurants that regularly need to handle different table types and seating areas. It lets managers adjust floor plans and table availability as demand changes during the day. Users particularly highlight its capability to customize table turns and pacing.

3. Bars And Wineries Managing Tastings, Tours, And Regular Reservations

Bars and wineries can use OpenTable to manage everyday dining alongside bookable experiences such as tastings and winemaker dinners. It enables teams to adjust seating areas and floor plans to accommodate different group sizes. This setup is particularly useful for venues that need to manage regular guests and generate revenue from scheduled experiences at the same time.

4. Multi-Location Restaurant Groups Managing Consistent Operations

OpenTable provides restaurant groups with a shared way to manage guest information, reporting, bookings, and workflows across multiple locations. Each restaurant can still handle its day-to-day service according to its needs. That said, group teams get a clearer view of what is happening across the portfolio. This suits hospitality businesses managing several locations or brands.

Is OpenTable Right For You?

OpenTable could be the right choice if your restaurant handles a steady volume of reservations, walk-ins, or multiple dining experiences. From reservations to inventory control and table management, it covers all aspects of managing a restaurant.

The platform also helps bars, wineries, and restaurant groups serve their guests better by supporting custom profiles creation and setting automating guest preferences.

It is GDPR, PCI DSS, and SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and trusted by leading names, such as Marriot International, BOYD, and White Lodging.

Still doubtful if OpenTable is the right fit for you? Connect with us at (661) 384-7070 for further guidance.