On The Pass

116. Debby Soo: OpenTable Reimagines Reservations


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Our next guest is on a mission to support restaurants and reclaim market share in a sector her company helped revolutionize 26 years ago. Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable, the pioneering platform for restaurant reservations, founded in 1998 in San Francisco. Today, OpenTable remains the leader in online reservations as part of Booking Holdings Inc., but being the first and largest doesn't automatically mean it's the best.

Debby took the helm in 2020 during an extraordinarily challenging time for the restaurant industry, facing stiff competition and an evolving dining landscape. Over the years, platforms like Resy and Tock have gained traction, partnering with top-tier restaurants and renowned chefs, raising the bar for what reservation platforms can deliver.

Determined to reclaim OpenTable's position, Debby and her team have embraced an ambitious, offense-driven approach, recently announcing a partnership with Visa to enhance their offerings. A recent article in The San Francisco Chronicle described OpenTable as "shedding its reputation as an old-guard." Debby echoed this commitment, stating, "I want to make the best reservations system on the planet."

In this episode, we'll dive into her strategic vision, her perspective on innovation, and her plans for the future of OpenTable.

Learn more about OpenTable:

https://bit.ly/3YGVpYc

Follow OpenTable on Instagram:

https://bit.ly/3YjnenO

Follow Debby Soo on Instagram:

https://bit.ly/3YIGdd7

Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story:

https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N

Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n

Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

http://bit.ly/3YS964b

Learn more about On The Pass:

https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP

Lets work together! Get in contact:

https://www.studioornelas.com

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On The PassBy Gabriel Ornelas

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