Social Currency with Sammi Cohen The Credit Card War Behind Your Dinner Plans
Jan 2, 2026
Discover the unseen tug-of-war behind restaurant reservations, where credit card companies wield surprising power over access and demand. Sammi explores how OpenTable monopolized the scene, only to be shaken up by Resy's innovative approach. American Express's acquisition of Resy turned reservations into exclusive perks, while Visa's cash incentives brought restaurants back into the fold. Delve into how DoorDash is redefining the dining experience by merging delivery and reservations. This insightful look reveals how control and influence shape where you dine.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reservations Are Corporate-Controlled Access
- Restaurant reservations are controlled by companies, not pure demand, shifting power away from restaurants.
- Access control has become extremely valuable to card networks and platforms.
OpenTable's Early Gatekeeper Role
- OpenTable launched in 1998 and embedded itself into restaurant operations long before mobile booking took off.
- It charged per diner, forcing many restaurants to pay significant monthly fees to stay visible.
Resy Turned Reservations Into Cultural Signal
- Resy won by aligning with culture, not scale, focusing on chefs, design, and a flat-fee model for restaurants.
- That made Resy a cultural signal: being listed there meant a place was current and desirable.