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Tech Tracker: How digital tech is capitalizing on the hot restaurant reservations market
Tock and Google now offer experience reservations; Diibs launches as a platform for bidding on last-minute reservations
Seating style offers chain operators a new way to engage customers
By Ron Ruggless
More restaurant concepts are pushing aside the two-tops and setting a communal table into their dining room floor plans.
Once found in only a handful of independent restaurants, shared eating spaces are popping up in both hip urban bistros and suburban chains, creating more welcoming environments that operators say help to build community, loyalty and sales — as long as they fit a concept’s image and don’t disrupt traffic flow or other diners.
“Communal tables deliver a more inviting, welcoming restaurant experience for two reasons,” said Judy Kadylak, marketing director for Burlington, Vt.-based Bruegger’s Enterprises Inc. “First, they send a clear message to guests that large groups are welcome, which helps to build loy...
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