OpenTable Launches All-in-One Marketplace for Private and Group Dining

Rhea-AI Summary

OpenTable, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG), has launched a groundbreaking all-in-one marketplace for private and group dining reservations. The platform transforms the traditionally complex booking process, which currently takes an average of 17 hours, into a streamlined experience.

The new marketplace features instant booking capabilities, transparent pricing, and comprehensive venue information. According to OpenTable's survey of 1,524 U.S. consumers, 68% would organize more events if booking were easier, while 72% prefer hosting group dinners at restaurants rather than at home. Notably, 66% of respondents are willing to spend more per person for private dining compared to regular restaurant dining.

Positive

• Platform addresses a significant market need with 68% of surveyed consumers wanting to organize more events
• 66% of consumers willing to pay premium prices for private dining versus regular dining
• Potential for increased revenue generation through streamlined booking process
• Global launch provides immediate market access and scalability

Negative

• 42% of potential customers have previously abandoned bookings due to complexity
• Success depends on restaurant adoption and participation

News Market Reaction

-1.53%

1 alert

-1.53% News Effect

On the day this news was published, BKNG declined 1.53%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

The new offering turns a once time-consuming process into a seamless booking experience for both diners and restaurants

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech, today announced the launch of its new all-in-one marketplace for private and group dining. The product replaces scattered searches, calls, and emails with one reliable hub – making it easier for diners to plan large gatherings and for restaurants to drive revenue with less friction.

Booking a group or private dining space has traditionally meant hours of online research, followed by multiple layers of communication and guesswork. OpenTable's new survey* of U.S. consumers found it takes an average of 17 hours to find and book the right venue for private and group dining. More than two-thirds (68%) said they'd organize more events if the process were easier, while nearly half (42%) of respondents said they've abandoned booking altogether due to the hassle.

Offering an intuitive city discovery page, diners can browse and compare private dining rooms, semi-private spaces, and large group tables, along with transparent pricing, menus, ambiance details, capacity and imagery. In a first for reservation platforms, a growing selection of venues within the marketplace will offer instant booking, enabling diners to view real-time availability and secure their booking in seconds. For restaurants, the marketplace will generate incremental large booking leads through an easy set up, helping to generate more revenue.

"We've heard countless times that searching for and booking large group and private dining is frustrating and complicated for both restaurants and diners. It's been an overlooked area of the industry that is ripe for innovation," said Amy Wei, Chief Operating Officer for OpenTable. "Our marketplace is the perfect place to source profitable leads for restaurants and connect diners to exactly what they're looking for. Now, it's simple and seamless for restaurants to grow revenue and maximize underutilized private dining spaces."

OpenTable's consumer research* underscores the demand behind the launch. Birthdays, family gatherings, and corporate events – including company celebrations, client meetings and team bonding – were identified as the most common drivers of private dining reservations. Almost three-quarters of respondents (72%) said they would rather host a group dinner at a restaurant than at home, and 66% reported they are willing to spend more per person for a private or group dining venue than they would a la carte at a restaurant. Together, these findings point to a shift in how consumers want to celebrate and gather, and the untapped potential for restaurants.

The marketplace is now live globally. To explore private and group dining on OpenTable, visit www.opentable.com/private-dining.

*Survey Methodology: An online survey was conducted by WALR among 1,524 U.S. respondents who have dined with a group of 10 or more as part of an individual booking in the past five years. Quotas were applied to major cities. Fieldwork took place between August 5–13, 2025. Data collection adhered to MRS and ESOMAR guidelines.

About OpenTable
OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), helps more than 60,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable's world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opentable-launches-all-in-one-marketplace-for-private-and-group-dining-302557734.html

SOURCE OpenTable, Inc.

FAQ

What new features does OpenTable's private dining marketplace offer?

The marketplace offers instant booking capabilities, transparent pricing, real-time availability, menus, ambiance details, capacity information, and imagery for private dining spaces.

How long does it currently take to book a private dining space without OpenTable's new platform?

According to OpenTable's survey, it takes an average of 17 hours to find and book the right venue for private and group dining.

What percentage of consumers prefer restaurant private dining over home hosting?

72% of survey respondents said they would rather host a group dinner at a restaurant than at home.

How many consumers would organize more events if the booking process was easier?

68% of surveyed consumers indicated they would organize more events if the private dining booking process were easier.

What are the main types of events driving private dining reservations on OpenTable?

The most common drivers are birthdays, family gatherings, and corporate events including company celebrations, client meetings, and team bonding.