Top 5 Cutting Edge Online Services For The Savvy Restaurateur

The invention of the Internet has changed every aspect of daily life for many people in the United States. No longer do we depend on books and newspapers as our source of information- now the Internet is the go-to source for all information- from the names of actors in a movie to minute-by-minute news coverage on the latest topics. The Internet has also changed the way that people interact with brick and mortar retailers, including restaurants. Modern technology has enabled savvy restaurateurs to maximize savings and taste with each restaurant visit without the hassle of visiting every restaurant in town. 

 There are several different options that the savvy restaurateur can use to maximize their budget, find the best place to eat, and promote a high level of social interaction. These five options offer everything restaurant visitors need to enjoy the best restaurant experience anywhere in the world, all while saving money and receiving future discounts:

• Discount coupon sites: Discount sites offer large discounts on everything from toothpaste to foreign travel packages. Restaurants have caught on to the benefits of social discount sites and many restaurants will offer occasional deals through various online group deal sites and voucher sites. Typically, the deals involve a percentage off original prices, or free items with the meal, such as a free dessert or appetizer with purchase. In order to activate group deals, enough people must sign up for the discount. Most restaurant voucher sites offer anywhere from 20 percent off to over 90 percent of retail price. These sites are popular because they have long expiration dates and offer discounts on a wide variety of restaurants. Many people use these sites to find discounts on everyday food items as well as for special occasions and gifts.

• Loyalty rewards: Some sites offer rewards for being a loyal customer of specific restaurant brands. Each time customers “check-in” to the restaurant, they earn reward points. Customer rewards fluctuate by loyalty site, but typically vary from additional deals and discounts for future restaurant visits to actual cash rewards. Loyalty rewards build a symbiotic relationship between customer and the restaurant by giving the restaurant repeat customers and enticing the customer to come back for special deals and savings.

• Online ordering and reservations: Restaurants everywhere are taking advantage of the convenience of the Internet. Many restaurants, both causal and fine-dining, give customers the option to place orders online and make online reservations. This Internet-based form of customer service eliminates the hassle of calling restaurants for reservations or orders, helps prevent order mix-ups, eliminates long waiting at the restaurant for tables, and reduces other problems associated with calling a restaurant and in some cases can even provide a promo code.

• Review sites: Choosing a place to eat has never been easier. Online review sites help customers find new places to eat in their town, or while away from home. Review sites gather reviews for nearly every restaurant in every major city around the world. Reviews eliminate the guess-work of finding a new place to eat and help customers maximize their budgets. Search by rating, or type of food to find the best food to eat wherever you are.

• Mobile check-ins: With mobile check-ins, customers can share where they are currently eating to earn promotional codes and points. Mobile check-ins help customers interact with friends and promote their favorite brands and restaurants. Many mobile check-in sites are now combining with review sites and online ordering and reservations to provide customers with a one-stop place to find new places to eat, share reviews of each restaurant, and easily connect with friends at the same time.

As technology continues to advance, eating out will evolve as well. In the near future, customers may be able to order through interactive menus, or even communicate directly with chefs and other restaurant employees to improve the overall dining experience. Nevertheless, for now, technology has simply provided customers with easier choices and better deals on food around the world. Try any of the top 5 cutting edge online services to save money, find the best places to eat, and interact with friends- improving both everyday dining experiences and special events- at home or anywhere in the world.