Marketing

Get ready for a potentially big New Year’s Eve

Data from reservations platform OpenTable shows a big demand for bookings to ring in 2022.
New Year's Eve
Photo: Shutterstock

Restaurant and bar operators, get ready: You have about three weeks to prepare for what could potentially be a big New Year’s Eve.

That’s according to reservations site OpenTable, which said it is seeing a significant uptick in bookings to ring in 2022—even when compared to before the pandemic.

New Year’s Eve reservations are up 46% compared to 2019 numbers, according to OpenTable. And, not surprisingly, they’re up a whopping 220% over 2020, before COVID vaccines were widely available.

And the data suggests that reservations may pick up even more in the coming weeks. Bookings are typically highest in the two weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve, with 54% of NYE 2019 reservations coming after Dec. 17, according to OpenTable.

The platform is highlighting “experiences,” noting that half of Americans surveyed said they would prefer an experience over a gift and that 31% are looking for unique ways to celebrate. OpenTable launched a new reservations feature to book special events such as tasting menus, cooking classes, holiday teas, breakfasts with Santa and more.

“After a year of learning how to operate in new normals, restaurants are getting more creative than ever, transforming their spaces to offer the ultimate hospitality experience,” Susan Lee, OpenTable’s chief growth officer, said in a statement.

The uptick in special events bookings, however, is not being seen industry wide.

Eatertainment chain Dave & Buster’s said this week that its Q3 special events business was down 64% compared to 2019 numbers, largely due to the fact that corporate events have not yet returned amid continued pandemic concerns. Dave & Buster’s special events business remained down 59% for the early part of the fourth quarter.

 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

Why Peter Cancro decided to sell Jersey Mike's

Exclusive: In his first interview since selling the sandwich chain to private-equity firm Blackstone for $8 billion, the owner and longtime CEO said now was the time to make a move. But he remains invested in the company he first bought as a high schooler.

Technology

When third-party delivery math doesn't add up

Tech Check: Delivery margins are notoriously thin, and it doesn’t take much to lose money on them. Here's what operators should watch out for.

Food

There's little rhyme or reason to 'Best Restaurants of the Year' lists

The 2024 rankings vary widely depending on who is compiling them, but there are some common threads, says Senior Menu Editor Patricia Cobe.

Trending

More from our partners