How Technology Has Changed The Way We Dine

The 2016 Dining and Technology study uncovered Aussie diners are comfortable with restaurants Googling them prior to their reservation, with almost three-quarters (69%) of respondents saying they’re fine with the approach. Please find below some further key findings from the study, which was conducted in the US, UK and AU.  

Please find below some further key findings from the study, which was conducted in the US, UK and AU.  

This study investigated how technology has changed the way we dine and it is very interesting. 

OpenTable, the leading online restaurant reservation platform, has revealed Australians are comfortable with restaurants researching them online before they dine out.

Conducted in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the study looked into the relationship between diners and the use of technology before, during and after their dining experience.

The study found Australian diners are the most accepting when it comes to restaurants researching them online before their arrival, with over half (69%) saying they’re comfortable with the approach.

During their restaurant experience, it would seem Australians are relying less on the traditional menu to make decisions than ever before, with more than half of diners (59%) saying they refer to the diner- generated reviews and photos from their smartphones while at the restaurant table to decide what to order.

Technology is also playing a part in helping to ensure dining experiences live long beyond the actual meal. Location-based check-ins and photos are now standard local practice, with 54% of Australians admitting to regularly checking-in via their personal social media channels and 68% admitting to taking photos of their food in order to remember the experience following their meal.

Lisa Hasen, APAC Vice President at OpenTable, said: “From the way we source inspiration and make our reservations, to how we decide what to order, there is no doubt technology is fundamentally changing the dining experience here in Australia and around the world.

“Generally speaking, Aussies have a relaxed approach to dining out, so it’s no surprise most aren’t fazed by being searched online prior to arriving at the restaurant. We understand Googling diners can help improve customer service – enabling front-of-house staff to recognise reservation holders, or cater to special occasions such as birthdays.”

Key findings from the 2016 OpenTable Technology and Dining study:

• Australian diners are the most accepting of being Googled ahead of a restaurant reservation (69%), compared to US diners (64%) and UK diners (61%)
• Diners across the globe are happy for restaurants to be privy to special dates such as birthdays or anniversaries (AU 48%; US 43%; UK 37%)
• 68% of Australian diners admit to using their smartphone to take photos purely to remember the occasion while at a restaurant

• When it comes to dining, 51% of Australians eat at a casual restaurant at least once a week, 44% of diners eat at full-service restaurants at least once a week and 34% of Australians admit to eating takeaway at least once a week
• Australian diners think technology could play a bigger role in restaurants that have counter service only (76%); restaurants with limited service (75%); and full-service casual restaurants (66%).For more information visit: https://www.opentable.com.au

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