AUSTRALIA | Uber Eats has selected Sydney as the global launch city for its new Dine Out service, announced during its GO-GET conference.
Sydney has been selected as the global launch city for a new Uber Eats product called Dine Out. The announcement was made during the fifth annual GO-GET product showcase event in New York City.
The feature turns the Uber Eats app into a new way to discover and claim in-person dining deals at restaurants, while also unlocking a transportation option to ‘book a ride’ from the Dine Out storefront to the restaurant.
The announcement follows news that Uber Eats and OpenTable will be teaming up to enhance the dine-in experience. OpenTable will soon power reservations in the Uber Eats app, giving Uber One members exclusive access to prime tables at the top spots in town. Additionally, OpenTable members will soon be able to use their points on Uber and Uber Eats.
“It’s a thrill and privilege for Australia to be the first market anywhere in the world to test and finesse the new Dine Out product, one we know will benefit restaurants and bring additional convenience and value to Sydney-siders and visitors alike,” said Managing Director, Uber Eats Australia and New Zealand, Ed Kitchen.
“I am proud to be able to launch this technology for Australian small business owners in Sydney first, though as a proud Melburnian, I’ve assured my friends and family that the plan is to launch in Victoria in the coming months.”
Diners perusing the Uber Eats app can expect to see hundreds of restaurants in Sydney offering dine-in discounts when the new experience comes online in June. The lineup will include existing partners already using Uber Eats to drive incremental orders and power their delivery offering as well as new restaurants who do not have an online food delivery presence.
One factor for the southern hemisphere launch location was seasonality, with the new product rolling out over winter.
“Winter is always going to be quieter but maybe this year with Uber’s Dine Out technology it will be different,” said Catalina Rose Bay Owner Judy McMahon
“I anticipate a lot of the clientele using this feature will be new or younger and that appeals to me.”
Australia’s Restaurant and Catering Association was also supportive of the timing of the announcement. “The onset of Winter has traditionally marked a slowdown for hospitality operators, so initiatives like this are very welcome in order to maintain the interest in our sector. What’s more, seasonal changes also bring with them new and delicious menu selections that many more Sydneysiders will be able to experience as intended, on premise alongside great service and now, thanks to Dine Out, affordably,” said R&CA CEO Suresh Manickam.
Iconic Sydney restaurants, representing a broad spectrum of cuisine and price points, will be available on day one. Catalina, Fabbrica, Wings and Tins, Malabar, Employees only and Raw Bar are all expected to be online at launch.
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