Uber, OpenTable to globally integrate services
Restaurant customers will soon have a seamless option for reservations, transportation and delivery in six countries around the world.
Ride-hailing platform Uber and dining reservation network OpenTable are collaborating to combine their services for customers of OpenTable member restaurants across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Mexico, Australia and Ireland.
In the months ahead, the two companies will develop integrations of the Uber Eats, Uber, and OpenTable apps to offer dining reservation access as well as seamless transportation and delivery options, membership benefits, and other services.
"We’re always looking for ways to help people go out and get the best of their cities," said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. "As a first step, our partnership with OpenTable will make it easier than ever to find and book a great restaurant and get there without a hitch. And we’re excited to continue making Uber One even more valuable to our members."
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The partnership is expected to roll out in phases throughout the year, with both companies publicly committing to expanding features and deepening integration over time.
“Together with Uber, we’re redefining what it means to dine out in a connected world,” said Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable. "Dining, delivery and transportation are all intimately connected. This partnership strategically positions OpenTable to make those daily experiences as integrated and frictionless as possible for both restaurants and diners."
Uber initially expanded from its core rideshare business into third-party online delivery with the launch of Uber Eats in August 2014 and has since been shifting toward becoming a full-fledged e-commerce platform.
For example, the company's "Store Pickup via Uber Connect" service allows customers to arrange for an Uber courier to pick up their purchases from local stores and delivered to a destination of their choosing. The items have to be pre-paid, under $200 in value and less than 30 pounds in weight.
Launched in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber has fulfilled more than 58 billion trips. San Francico-based OpenTable, a subsidiary of Booking Holdings Inc., helps more than 60,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.7 billion seats a year.
