SAVOR INSIDER
What does it do?
A familiar name we are looking at in todays deep dive: OpenTable. But for good reason, their new Concierge AI Software does some pretty cool things for customers and restaurants.
Think virtual assistant meets host meets AI, but for your restaurant…
Pros vs. Cons:
*Not a true depiction of the Concierge software
Pros
Saves Your Staff’s Sanity: Concierge answers questions about menus, hours, or dietary needs in seconds, cutting down on phone calls and emails.
Boosts Bookings: By giving diners quick, accurate info, it reduces the 27% of customers who bail because they can’t find what they need online. (think younger customers)
Plays Nice with Data: Pulls from OpenTable’s massive database (menus, reviews, etc.) and uses OpenAI/Perplexity tech for reliable answers.
Future-Proofing: Plans to add personalized recommendations and auto-booking based on diner history are in the works.
Cons:
AI Isn’t Perfect: OpenTable admits Concierge can make mistakes, so you’ll need to keep an eye on its answers to avoid mix-ups.
Tied to OpenTable: If you’re not already using their platform, you’re locked into their ecosystem, which might feel like signing a lease with a clingy landlord.
Learning Curve for Updates: Restaurants need to keep their OpenTable data (menus, hours) current, or Concierge might spit out outdated info.
The Competition:
Resy: Offers similar reservation tools but lacks a comparable AI assistant, focusing more on curated restaurant lists.
Toast: A POS powerhouse with reservation features, but its customer-facing AI is less developed than Concierge.
Goodcall: An AI phone assistant that integrates with OpenTable, great for call heavy spots, but it’s an add on, not a built-in feature.
What does the internet think of Concierge?
The Word on the Street:
Restaurant owners on X and industry blogs are buzzing about Concierge, praising how it cuts down on repetitive inquiries (think “Do you have gluten-free options?”). A survey from OpenTable shows 54% of diners spend 21 minutes researching before booking, and Concierge shaves that time, making bookings more likely. Some owners love how it frees up staff, with one calling it “a game-changer for busy nights.” But there’s chatter about occasional AI hiccups, like misinterpreting niche questions, and a few owners worry about over-reliance on OpenTable’s ecosystem.
The Opposing Viewpoint…
Look, Concierge sounds cool, but what if the AI gets something wrong. OpenTable’s disclaimer about potential errors is almost a red flag, AI isn’t a mind-reader, and if your menu data isn’t pristine, you’re risking bad info going out. Plus, if you’re not already on OpenTable, committing to their platform just for Concierge might feel like signing up for a gym membership when you only want the sauna. Keep your data tight, and maybe spot-check Concierge’s answers early on to avoid any “my AI said what?” moments. As with any AI tool today, it is only as good as the data going in, so as long as you clearly and thoroughly tell the AI about your business (full menu, restrictions, parking, etc.), then things should be largely smooth.
A Final Note
TLDR
Concierge is a no-brainer for OpenTable users, it saves time, boosts bookings, and handles the grunt work of answering diner questions. If you’re not on OpenTable yet, weigh the platform’s full cost, but this AI could be a solid reason to jump in.
Check it out Here
Your Restaurant’s Software Consultant