Restaurant booking platform Resy to shut down UK operations

Restaurant booking platform Resy is to shut down its UK operations by the end of this summer.

The hospitality technology company said it was shifting to focus on the US and Canadian markets and would wind down in the UK by 31 August 2024.

A Resy spokesperson told The Caterer: "Resy has been proud to work with many of the best restaurants in the UK and to be a trusted resource for diners. However, after much consideration, Resy will close its business in the UK and focus on its US and Canadian operations.

"The Resy team will work closely with all restaurant partners to assist with the offboarding process and ensure that existing reservations are managed seamlessly."

Resy was launched in the US in 2014 by a trio including restaurant industry entrepreneur Ben Leventhal, who also co-created the Eater hospitality news website.

It offers back-of-house tools such as table management and analytics for restaurant partners as well as trend reports and guides.

The app also alerts users when tables become available last-minute, helping restaurants reduce the impact of no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

The platform launched in the UK in 2017 and was bought by American Express in 2019, with eligible card members given special access to bookings.

A Resy spokesperson said American Express members would "continue to enjoy existing dining benefits" and restaurants remained "incredibly valuable partners" for the business in the UK.

"The company remains committed to supporting the UK culinary scene and to expanding the thriving network of restaurants who welcome our card members," a spokesperson added.

Leventhal stepped down from his general manager role at the company in 2019 but remains an advisor to the company. He has since founded loyalty platform Blackbird in the US.

Image: Resy