How First Table is Transforming the Hospitality Industry
- Written by Mat Weir, CEO and Founder of First Table
The hospitality industry has always been about bringing people together over a shared love of food and drink. At First Table, we’ve taken this concept a step further by addressing one of the most persistent challenges faced by restaurants: filling tables during off-peak times. As we celebrate our ten-year anniversary this September, I am proud to reflect on our journey and the impact we’ve made.
The Beginnings
First Table was born out of a simple idea: offer diners 50% off their food bill for booking the first table of the night. This concept not only incentivises early dining but also helps restaurants create a buzz during quieter periods. What started in 2014 with just ten partner restaurants has now grown to include 2,000 partner venues across three countries.
Growth and Impact
Over the past decade, First Table has reached significant milestones. Our community now boasts 1.5 million foodies, nearly double compared to twelve months ago. This growth underscores the effectiveness of our model in connecting diners with great dining experiences while helping restaurants optimise their capacity and Revenue.
Our impact goes beyond numbers. We’ve seen firsthand how First Table can transform the fortunes of restaurants, particularly small and independent venues that benefit the most from increased early evening traffic. By filling seats that would otherwise remain empty, we’re helping these businesses thrive in a competitive Industry.
Industry Insights
The broader trends in the hospitality industry also reflect the success of our model. According to the GlobalData report, the Australian foodservice market reached AUD 97.8 billion in 2023, with the profit sector forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 4% from 2023 to 2028. The adoption of online booking platforms and takeout services has played a significant role in this growth, and First Table is proud to be at the forefront of this digital transformation.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, First Table is committed to continuing our innovation. We're continuously introducing new features to our platform that enhance the dining experience for our users and provide even greater value to our partner restaurants.
Final Thoughts on First Tables 10 Year Success
First Table’s journey over the past ten years has been one of innovation, growth, and significant impact. We’ve demonstrated that a simple, yet powerful idea can bring substantial benefits to both diners and restaurants. Our commitment to supporting the hospitality sector and enhancing dining experiences has been unwavering. As we look forward to the future, we remain dedicated to introducing new features, and continuing to create memorable dining experiences for everyone. Our success story is just beginning, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.
