We used Open table once (Against my better advice) for a combined pop up night with two TV/food celebrities. of course this is all about PR. So with that in mind it did not cost us anything. However, we did not take up the subscription and open table decided to leave us on their platform with the misleading title of 'permanently closed', which we are not. This gives the impression that we have gone out of business to anyone that ventures onto their platform and who may have otherwise known us from direct booking (thousands of customers).This is unacceptable, we would rather we were delisted in fact we consider this phrase 'permanently closed' as defamatory and are seeking legal advice.As for the platform like other platforms to do with food (Just Eat, Deliveroo, Uber Eats) they are sucking the last drops from the hospitality industry and sending many to the wall. Their charges for the pro amount to around 15% of revenue and place the restaurant in their hands in terms of marketing/database. We won't use any of them.As an example we may get 300 covers for Sunday roast, on a monthly basis together with standing charge the cost would be around £3000 per month for just one day a week trading. on two days a week trading £5500 per month which is more than the rent for our premises. once you factor this in then add Vat/card charges then for every £10 spent in a restaurant anywhere between 52% to 37% is going elsewhere. No wonder so many food places struggle.It is mind boggling how the restaurant/hospitality industry has fallen for this and the public too.Now factor in these SMS charges and you can see not only are they profiteering from restaurants but they are cleaning up on the other side.It is time consumers and businesses wake up and see what the digital/tech age is doing and start dealing with restaurants/public direct.We have operated this way from day 1 and have developed a good rapport with our clientele and our figures/reviews highlight this. The only reason we are leaving this review is because they have listed us as 'permanently closed' . We most certainly are not.I would add I am not totally against software apps, but the blatant profiteering at the expense of this industry has to be rebelled against. They need to get their house in order before someone thinks of a cheaper alternative that wipes them out. It will happen.
