Uber has launched the world’s first iteration of its ‘Dine Out’ feature in Sydney this week. The feature will promote deals to incentivise diners to visit restaurants in person during off-peak periods.
The launch of Dine Out marks the first time anywhere in Australia has been chosen to pilot a new Uber Eats product of this scale, an Uber spokesperson told Hospitality.
“We’re excited to test and refine this experience locally – one designed to support restaurants and offer even greater convenience to customers. Choosing Sydney reflects not only the entrepreneurial spirit of its restaurant community, but also the millions of tech-savvy Australians who already trust Uber Eats,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Hospitality.
Catalina Rose Bay owner Judy McMahon will be among the first to adopt the tech, noting the quiet winter months as a good time to test the feature.
“Winter is always going to be quieter but maybe this year with Uber’s Dine Out technology it will be different,” said Catalina Rose Bay Owner Judy McMahon. “I anticipate a lot of the clientele using this feature will be new or younger and that appeals to me.”
Uber Eats is promising diners hundreds of restaurant options to choose from once the offer launches in June. From launch, Catalina joins Fabbrica, Wings and Tins, Malabar, Employees Only, and Raw Bar on the app.
At this stage, the app won’t charge restaurants a fee for bringing customers, nor will it expect restaurants using Dine Out to offer meals via the delivery side of the app.
Australia’s Restaurant and Catering Association CEO Suresh Manickam welcomed the feature. “The onset of Winter has traditionally marked a slowdown for hospitality operators, so initiatives like this are very welcome in order to maintain the interest in our sector.”
Competitors such as Eattable and Firsttable provide similar offers, with customers receiving up to 50 per cent off when dining at off-peak times. But with Uber Eats’ already significant market share, it remains to be seen how these pre-existing apps will fare against their new competition.
Restaurants are able to express their interest in registering for the new feature here.
Image by Cottonbro studio.
Laura Box
