New web service launched to help restaurants run events in low periods

21-Jan-2013 - Last updated on 27-Apr-2021 at 11:43 GMT

SmartEatOut is designed to help operators host events during times of low activity

Software start-up Okurso has launched a web service which enables restaurants and pubs the chance to bring single people, business travellers and expats together for an event or meal out during periods of low trade.

Product details:

A new web service, SmartEatOut, has been set up to allow restaurants and pubs the chance to create events for people who are on their own and therefore may not choose to eat out or go out for a drink. The website gives operators the chance to create an event for a particular group of people such as business travellers or single people looking to socialise and then advertise it on the website. The operator can choose the date, time, number of guests, frequency and type of customers they want.

USP:

As SmartEatOut's Fateh Amroune says, restaurants’ and pubs’ activities vary during the week with some struggling to fill tables early to mid-week. The website could help generate additional revenue during traditionally low trade periods and introduce the business to new customers.

"We acknowledge that restaurant and pub managers don’t necessarily have the luxury to spend a lot of time on managing their online presence. SmartEatOut has been developed with the idea to minimise the time spent on our website. For example, in less than two minutes you can create a continuous flow of activities e.g. every Monday at 7pm, eight guests food lovers. Then you just have to welcome them," adds Amroune.

Price:

SmartEatOut works on credits (one credit costs £1). Restaurant or pub operators have to buy credits for each guest they want to attract. It is two credits for a dinner and one credit for a drink or lunch. However, operators will only be charged for the customers who turn up and will be credited back for each guest who does not appear.

SmartEatOut is currently giving BigHospitality readers a free trial of 50 credits. Email sngru@bxhefb.pbz, with the title BigHospitality2013 and a brief description of your business and you will be sent a voucher code.

Availability:

The product is currently being piloted in Reading with plans to roll out to other UK cities next month. Visit www.smarteatout.com/events for more information.

Why you should buy it:

"For independent restaurants and pubs, it’s sometimes difficult to compete with the marketing power of chains or to find time to promote their business online. SmartEatOut is a risk-free solution to get more customers at a time you need them the most," says Amroune.