OpenTable has introduced a new way for diners to search and make restaurant reservations directly through Facebook Messenger. With OpenTable’s bot for Messenger, diners across the globe can make reservations at more than 40,000 restaurants worldwide directly from within Messenger through the new Chat Extensions feature.
OpenTable’s bot for Messenger enables diners to search and suggest available restaurants to friends as well as make reservations through the bot without leaving Messenger.
“We’re delighted that our millions of global diners are now able to plan and make restaurant reservations with their Facebook friends all within Messenger,” said Catherine Porter, senior vice president of Strategy and Business Development at OpenTable.
“We hope this service helps diners more easily collaborate on dining plans by sharing restaurant suggestions and coordinating a reservation all in one place.
“Dining out is inherently social and millions of people are already using Messenger and social media to connect with friends to discuss dining. The addition of the OpenTable bot for Messenger is a natural extension of this behaviour enabling them to plan and book together.”
How to make a reservation:
1. From any Messenger conversation, select the OpenTable bot by tapping the Chat Extensions icon (+) on the bottom left of the Messenger app.
2. Pick an available restaurant to recommend and share with friends.
3. Once a collective restaurant decision is made, instantly book a table.
4. Share the restaurant reservation confirmation with friends.
