Groupon Goes Real-Time With Reservations

Deals platform Groupon has announced a new time-based deals option for local businesses that accept reservations or take appointments. 

After a pilot with nearly 100 food and beverage establishments in Chicago, including Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill, the platform is now available to any restaurant that accepts reservations  and will expand shortly to other merchant categories. 

"Offering this type of deal through Groupon is a fantastic way for even the busiest restaurants to diversify the ways in which they engage with customers and strengthen their brand," said Rick Bayless, owner of Frontera Grill, Chicago. "They're making it really easy for us to fill tables during off-peak times, which generates more revenue for the restaurant and gives us more opportunities to attract new customers and turn them into lifelong fans."

Customers have the option to make a reservation or book an appointment via the Groupon mobile app or Groupon.com at the time of purchase or afterward. Since the purchase is booked in advance for a specific time, there is no longer a need to present a mobile device or voucher when deals are redeemed.