News

OpenTable, Upserve partner to connect the diner data dots

June 5, 2019

Online restaurant reservation provider, OpenTable, has connected with restaurant management platform, Upserve, in what a news release said is an "industry-first partnership" allowing real-time data and guest insights to flow back and forth between OpenTable's GuestCenter operating system and Upserve's POS. The result, according to the companies, is that servers not only have diners' information at hand, they can now personalize their service and dining suggestions "on the fly."

"Our partnership with Upserve is the latest example of how we combine guest, reservation and spend data to help restaurants take hospitality to the next level," OpenTable Chief Technology Officer Joseph Essas, said in the release. "Real-time data lets restaurants improve every part of service, from the host stand to the kitchen, and create more memorable experiences for their guests."

The integration offers the following restaurant benefits, the news release said: 

• Diner insights during service, including preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Enhanced shift preparation: Reservation and diner details enhances Upserve shift prep reports for better live service. 
• Automatic check creation from POS upon diners' arrival to streamline communication across restaurant team. 
• Real-time table status through GuestCenter real-time table progress updates without accessing POS or scanning tables. 

"This combined data resource gives management and staff the ability to retrieve guest details at the POS, providing a VIP experience with every reservation," Upserve CEO Sheryl Hoskins, said in the release.

OpenTable plans deeper POS system integrations that will connect guest, reservation and check data, in addition to the company' current integrations with 10 POS systems and thousands of restaurants, which are now matching millions of checks to reservations monthly.

OpenTable and Upserve client, Blake Mellgren, the executive chef at Craft House near Los Angeles, said that brand's leadership immediately noticed better service flow from front, to back of house. 

"Having valuable guest information right on the POS has helped servers deliver a personalized experience and create a better connection with guests," Mellgren said in the release. "Being able to seamlessly loop in the kitchen has allowed us to provide that extra touch, which has been essential in delivering exceptional service."