Scoring the hottest table in town just got a bit easier, folks!
Reserve, a self-described “dining concierge service,” launched a beta version of its app in Boston, New York City and Los Angeles today, October 28, according to TechCrunch. The article notes that CEO and Co-founder, Greg Hong, (previously director of business operations at online ad company SocialVibe) founded Reserve with Joe Marchese (true[X] CEO). The app will also be the first launch out of StumbleUpon and Uber co-founder Garrett Camp’s new “startup studio,” dubbed Expa.
Hong explains the dining concierge service on the company’s blog, stating:
“Reserve is a digital concierge service focused on making every part of the dining experience better for you, and better for the restaurant. Maybe the in-laws are coming. Or you need to impress a big client. Or you’re ready to up your dating game. Or you just want to celebrate a Tuesday. Starting today, Reserve can help.”
Here’s how the service works: The app’s user inputs a few details about their future dining experience, such as when they’re looking to dine out in the Hub. Based on the information given, Reserve gives the diners a curated list of restaurant partners in the area, which will also include a detailed description of each eatery. Once the user makes their restaurant selection based upon Reserve’s information, the app will “work to get you a table, and text you updates on the status of your request,” states the blog.
TechCrunch also notes that Reserve acquired Boston-based reservations service, SoonSpoon, in order to help with the Boston launch. SoonSpoon notifies diners of unexpected restaurant openings in the Greater Boston area. So far, it’s proven to be popular due to its ability to help diners snag a last minute reservation at some of Boston’s best restaurants.
This, according to Reserve’s blog, is an important goal of their new dining concierge app. The blog claims that the company has partnered with James Beard Award-winning chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants. Eater Boston also notes that Reserve has partnered with several upscale Boston restaurants so far, including Craigie on Main, Alden & Harlow, Oleana, and L’Espalier.
Another winning feature of the dining concierge app is that the diner can pay for their meal directly through the app. According to the blog, “The check is automatically billed through the app, taking into account your default tipping preference and adding in Reserve’s flat five dollar concierge fee.”
The iOS app is currently available here.
Image via Reserve Screengrab
