First Table Launches in Invercargill

Invercargill diners have a very good reason to be an early bird after the dinner deals website First Table launched locally on Tuesday 24th of October.

Following the incredible success of First Table in destinations across Australasia, Invercargill diners can now enjoy half price early bird dining at a select few of the region's most popular restaurants, with more soon to come. The launch of the Invercargill site sees the expansion of the First Table offering to over 490 restaurants, across 26 cities throughout New Zealand and Australia. Over 130,000 people are registered as diners with the site.

Invercargill Facebook users applauded the introduction of the service to the city in great numbers on launch day with comments including “It's finally here” and “This is a fantastic thing for Invercargill”.

Developed by Queenstown-based Mat Weir, First Table was launched in 2014. The clever idea quickly took off in Mr Weir’s hometown giving him the impetus to replicate the model in other cities and regions. Restaurants listed on First Table offer a 50% discount to diners who book the ‘first table’ of the night, generally between 5pm and 6.30pm. Diners pay a $10 booking fee to get the deal.

“The beauty of First Table is that it is a win-win model,” says Mr Weir.

“Getting a good flow of customers early in the evening is crucial for any successful restaurant,” he says, “and early bird diners are rewarded with half-price dining at some of the most popular restaurants in their city.”

“People are inherently attracted to places that are busy because it provides a great atmosphere and good social proof that the establishment is doing something right. At the same time, we find that First Table diners love to try out a new place at the early bird rate but will then go back and pay the full rate if they love it.”

Over the three years since founding First Table, Mr Weir says he’s noticed a growing trend in restaurants requesting to be part of the network, instead of him having to ask them.

“That’s testament to the fact that restaurants are seeing the real benefits of being on First Table. We wanted to create a truly win-win platform for diners and restaurants and I think we’ve achieved that, which is hugely satisfying,” says Weir.

Invercargill diners looking for early deals will salivate over the selection of restaurants on offer. First Table aims to offer a broad selection of well-loved and high-quality establishments.

“First Table is becoming an indispensable tool for foodies and we’re pleased to finally bring our offering to the people of Invercargill” says Mr Weir.

Mr Weir says he is planning to continue the growth of First Table thanks to the positive feedback he receives from diners and restaurateurs alike.

For more information please contact:

Cameron Steele (Cam), Business Development Executive

022 657 8665

cameron.steele@firsttable.nz

www.firsttable.co.nz