With the introduction of the Michelin Guide and the holiday season fast approaching, snagging a reservation at one of they city’s top restaurants is about as impossible as getting pre-sale tickets to Taylor Swift. Even if you do manage to land one, there’s no guarantee that you won’t end up sitting in the “nosebleed section” of the restaurant — next to the kitchen, near the restroom or close to a drafty window.
A Toronto-based company has started a platform which will allow diners to purchase premium seating at peak times at some of the hottest dinner spots in the city — similar to what airlines, sports arenas and hotels are already doing.
Called Tablz, consumer’s who opt-in can take 3D walkthroughs of a restaurant’s dining space and then pay anywhere from $5 to $100 to upgrade to a table of their choosing when they make a reservation —whether they choose a seat with a view or one that’s far away from the bar.
The price per table is determined by the platform’s algorithm which allows them to find the right price during the right time based on the time of day (or night) and the number of diners currently in the restaurant.
“I don’t get angry at Air Canada for having first-class and comfort-plus, nor do I get angry at the Raptors for having courtside seats or Enterprise for offering me a BMW over a Honda,” said Tablz co-owner Frazer Nagy in an interview. “I know these upgrades exist and I personalize my selection based on my budget and preferences.”
The platform is aiming to become a new revenue stream for restaurants by giving them 70 per cent of the fees that are paid to book premium tables.
Toronto restaurants that are currently using the platform include Madrina Bar y Tapas and Amal with new restaurants regularly being added.