Tasteland
Ep. 17: Dining with Ben Leventhal, founder of Blackbird
Nov 20, 2024
Ben Leventhal, co-founder of Eater, Resy, and Blackbird, has been a transformative force in the hospitality industry. He discusses the evolution of restaurant criticism, emphasizing the shift from anonymous critiques to influencer-driven transparency. Leventhal also dives into the future of dining experiences and how blockchain technology could revolutionize customer loyalty and payments. The conversation touches on the importance of spontaneous dining adventures and introduces Blackbird's initiatives to enhance restaurant workers' benefits.
55:57
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Quick takeaways
- Ben Leventhal emphasizes the transformative role of technology, particularly through Blackbird, in enhancing restaurant loyalty and customer engagement.
- The podcast critiques the outdated notion of anonymous restaurant criticism, advocating for transparency and critical rigor in reviews to foster trust.
Deep dives
Ben Leventhal's Impact on Hospitality
Ben Leventhal is a significant figure in the hospitality industry, having co-founded influential platforms such as Eater and Resi over the past two decades. His latest venture, Blackbird, established in 2022, aims to enhance the restaurant experience through loyalty and payments technology. The Blackbird app functions similarly to a punch card system, allowing restaurants to gather valuable customer data, including dining preferences and past visits. This focus on customization is intended to improve the relationship between diners and restaurants by fostering loyalty and repeat business.
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