New online booking platform benefits restaurants and diners
February 7th, 2012 by Susan Reynard | Categories: industry, restaurants, technology, tourism
As online booking grows in the hospitality industry, the launch of new website portal www.comedine.co.za is designed to help diners find their ideal restaurant and restaurateurs secure more business. With more people carrying smart phones, this online booking system is a convenient and instant solution.
Launched in November 2011, ComeDine is a new website dedicated to all types of restaurants. It provides diners with the opportunity to browse all of the latest, the best, the classic and the trendy restaurants in their area and book online. That means they don’t have to worry about queuing at the new “must-visit” spot during the holidays or about struggling to get a table at the best restaurants.
Currently servicing the areas of greater Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, ComeDine is convenient as diners can browse and book online and receive confirmation of booking by sms.
Restaurants are not required to change their current booking system. The systems also requires no additional computer or software, as all bookings are made from the ComeDine call centre over the phone.
ComeDine also offers rewards called Tjips for frequent users, and encourages diners to post reviews of the restaurants they’ve visited.
ComeDine has developed its own proprietor software in-house, which means that it’s quick to adapt to changing needs and trends. It serves as additional marketing for the restaurateur and the restaurant only pays a fee of R7 per diner once a booking is made and meals are had.
One of the directors, Martin Rose, has recently returned from a four-year stint in London, where he was a developer for Europe’s largest online restaurant booking provider, LiveBookings. Another director, Greg Whitfield, says: “Listings are free, so there’s no reason not to be on ComeDine. If we don’t send business to the restaurants, there is no cost. Over and above that we provide a very interactive experience by engaging consumers through online competitions, polls, newsletters and an active social networking presence. We invite all restaurants to come join the world of measurable marketing where the bottom line is considered and they only pay when they benefit.”
For more information, visit www.comedine.co.za or email signup@comedine.co.za.
