The Feed 153- Using GenAI for reservations with Sagar Mehta of OpenTable
Aug 4, 2025
Sagar Mehta, the Chief Technology Officer of OpenTable, shares insights on the evolving landscape of restaurant reservations and the innovative use of generative AI. He discusses how OpenTable’s AI Concierge function enhances diner experiences by answering common queries and boosting bookings. Sagar also explores the integration of AI in private dining and cooking classes, alongside partnerships with giants like Uber. The conversation emphasizes the potential for personalized dining experiences, transforming how restaurants operate.
AI Snips
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Transcript
Episode notes
Concierge Converts Browsers To Bookers
- AI Concierge answers recurring pre-booking questions to convert browsers into bookers.
- The long-term goal is conversational discovery that understands context and personal constraints.
Blend Data Sources And Feedback Loops
- Combine internal restaurant data with external sources and let restaurants correct errors.
- Build feedback loops so AI answers improve as restaurants update profiles and flag inaccuracies.
High Early Accuracy And Iteration
- About 80% of diner questions to the Q&A feature are answerable today, showing strong initial product-market fit.
- OpenTable treats errors as learning opportunities to improve restaurant intelligence over time.