59. Restaurant Reservations
Summary
Host Zachary Crockett explores the economics of restaurant reservations, featuring Lisa Blunt from Antoine’s on how digital tools boost efficiency. The episode examines the rise of a secondary market where scalpers resell tables, harming restaurants through no-shows. It also covers potential solutions like cancellation fees, New York’s new legislation against resale, and alternative booking strategies.
Topics discussed
Pacific Life and Schwab advertisements
Antoine's Restaurant and the shift to online reservations
History of reservations at Antoine's from letters to computers
Benefits, costs, and no-show risks of reservation apps
Pacific Life and Mint Mobile advertisements
Hidden ways to get reservations: VIPs, Dorsia, and scalpers
The secondary market for reservations and cancellation fees
Debating reservation fees and New York's new legislation
Monetizing seats, line-waiting services, and personal touch
Credits and closing advertisements
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