OpenTable is pivoting its services as restaurants everywhere are operating only through takeout orders. The app known for helping you reserve a table at popular restaurants is now making it possible to reserve a time to pick up your to-go orders and go grocery shopping.
While people are taking proper social distancing precautions, it can cause extra long lines in supermarkets which is partially why OpenTable made this switch. At the moment, this feature is mainly in use at specialty grocery stores and restaurants that have turned into pop-up markets. It’s meant to help control crowds and to make shopping trips as efficient as possible so shoppers don’t have to spend too much time outside of their homes.
With the OpenTable feature, you can choose to get a text message alert that will let you know when it’s your turn at the store. Currently, this is being used more prominently on the West Coast at restaurants that have become supermarkets, reports Food & Wine. Belcampo, Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant, PRAIRIE, Tesse Restaurant, and The Epicurean Trader are some of the places allowing you to make shopping reservations.
Similarly, Resy is now shifting from restaurant reservations to take-out. Restaurants are pre-packaging meals and you can sign up for a time slot to pick them up on Resy. Both Resy and OpenTable are offering a free sign-up for shoppers and restaurant owners who want to use these new features. You can learn more about how OpenTable and Resy are adjusting their services during the COVID-19 pandemic on their respective sites.
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