These days, Americans crave dining experiences. The U.S. restaurant industry is on track to see $1 trillion in sales for the first time in history in 2024, according to the National Restaurant Association, and the average household spends $2,375 a year on dining and takeout purchases.
Technology makes it more convenient than ever before to order a delivery or reserve a table with the touch of a button. And although the high cost of groceries might contribute to the increasing preference for dining out, gathering around a restaurant meal is also one of the most popular ways to socialize: It was even the No. 1 leisure activity during much of the pandemic.
"Dining is always going to be the central point...how can we connect diners to restaurants?"
Pablo Rivero, CEO of Resy and VP at American Express Dining, tells Entrepreneur that the reservation platform, which was acquired by Amex in 2019 and just celebrated its 10th anniversary, has remained steadfast in its mission of bringing together diners and restaurants over the years.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Resy. Pablo Rivero.
"People are finding different ways to connect with each other, and dining is always going to be the central point of that," Rivero........