For many food enthusiasts, the convenience of booking a table at their favourite restaurant with just a few clicks has become second nature.

However, the landscape of digital dining reservations is set to change with the announcement that TheFork, a prominent global restaurant booking platform, will cease operations in Australia by the end of March.

TheFork, known for its seamless reservation system and loyalty rewards, has been a go-to for diners looking to secure a spot at some of the country's most sought-after eateries.

But, as the company announced on its website, this service will no longer be available to Australian customers after 'careful consideration' of the platform's future in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic toll.

TheFork announced that its Australian operations would cease in March 2024. Source: @theforkau/Instagram

‘We understand that this decision may come as a surprise, and we want to assure you that this was not a choice made lightly,’ the announcement reads.

‘Due to the significant impact the pandemic had on the global economy, particularly the hospitality industry, we therefore had to implement certain cost measures, which includes a reduction of TheFork's geographical footprint,’ the company said.

For loyal users of TheFork, this news means more than finding a new way to book tables.

The platform's loyalty program, which allowed diners to accumulate points known as 'Yums', is also ending. Customers are urged to redeem their Yums before the March 31 cutoff, after which any remaining points will expire and become inaccessible.

Despite the impending closure, TheFork will continue to accept bookings for Australian restaurants until the end of March.

Additionally, any gift cards purchased through the platform will retain their validity for three years from the date of purchase, offering some consolation to those who might have received or bought them recently.

TheFork's journey in Australia began in 2009 under the name Dimmi, a brainchild of local tech entrepreneur Stevan Premutico. The platform quickly gained popularity and became a fixture in the Australian dining scene.

In 2015, Dimmi was acquired by TripAdvisor and subsequently rebranded as TheFork in 2019, aligning with its international presence.

TheFork advised its customers to redeem their Yums points. Source: TheFork

After his venture with Dimmi, Mr Premutico continued to innovate within the hospitality tech space, launching the QR code restaurant ordering app menu.

As the platform prepares to bow out, diners and restaurateurs alike will be looking for alternative solutions to fill the void left by TheFork's departure.

For our members who have embraced technology to enhance their dining experiences, this news may be particularly disheartening.

However, it's important to remember that the Australian market is resilient and innovative. New platforms and booking systems are likely to emerge, offering fresh and exciting ways to connect diners with their favourite restaurants.

Key Takeaways

• TheFork, a global online restaurant booking and review platform, will cease its Australian operations at the end of March.
  
• The closure is attributed to the need for cost-cutting measures due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the global economy and the hospitality industry.
  
• Customers will need to redeem their Yums points from TheFork's loyalty program by March 31, after which the points will expire.
  
• TheFork will continue to take bookings for Australian restaurants until the closure date, and its gift cards will remain valid for three years from the date of purchase.
  

Will you be affected by TheFork’s closure, members? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[freedy50]

I don't recall ever using them, but may have done? When I book a restaurant online I don't look at the company doing the booking, I just look at what restaurant it is and day and time of booking etc.

 

[Luckyus]

For many food enthusiasts, the convenience of booking a table at their favourite restaurant with just a few clicks has become second nature.

However, the landscape of digital dining reservations is set to change with the announcement that TheFork, a prominent global restaurant booking platform, will cease operations in Australia by the end of March.

TheFork, known for its seamless reservation system and loyalty rewards, has been a go-to for diners looking to secure a spot at some of the country's most sought-after eateries.

But, as the company announced on its website, this service will no longer be available to Australian customers after 'careful consideration' of the platform's future in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic toll.

View attachment 38859

TheFork announced that its Australian operations would cease in March 2024. Source: @theforkau/Instagram

‘We understand that this decision may come as a surprise, and we want to assure you that this was not a choice made lightly,’ the announcement reads.

‘Due to the significant impact the pandemic had on the global economy, particularly the hospitality industry, we therefore had to implement certain cost measures, which includes a reduction of TheFork's geographical footprint,’ the company said.

For loyal users of TheFork, this news means more than finding a new way to book tables.

The platform's loyalty program, which allowed diners to accumulate points known as 'Yums', is also ending. Customers are urged to redeem their Yums before the March 31 cutoff, after which any remaining points will expire and become inaccessible.

Despite the impending closure, TheFork will continue to accept bookings for Australian restaurants until the end of March.

Additionally, any gift cards purchased through the platform will retain their validity for three years from the date of purchase, offering some consolation to those who might have received or bought them recently.

TheFork's journey in Australia began in 2009 under the name Dimmi, a brainchild of local tech entrepreneur Stevan Premutico. The platform quickly gained popularity and became a fixture in the Australian dining scene.

In 2015, Dimmi was acquired by TripAdvisor and subsequently rebranded as TheFork in 2019, aligning with its international presence.

View attachment 38858

TheFork advised its customers to redeem their Yums points. Source: TheFork

After his venture with Dimmi, Mr Premutico continued to innovate within the hospitality tech space, launching the QR code restaurant ordering app menu.

As the platform prepares to bow out, diners and restaurateurs alike will be looking for alternative solutions to fill the void left by TheFork's departure.

For our members who have embraced technology to enhance their dining experiences, this news may be particularly disheartening.

However, it's important to remember that the Australian market is resilient and innovative. New platforms and booking systems are likely to emerge, offering fresh and exciting ways to connect diners with their favourite restaurants.

Key Takeaways

• TheFork, a global online restaurant booking and review platform, will cease its Australian operations at the end of March.
• The closure is attributed to the need for cost-cutting measures due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the global economy and the hospitality industry.
• Customers will need to redeem their Yums points from TheFork's loyalty program by March 31, after which the points will expire.
• TheFork will continue to take bookings for Australian restaurants until the closure date, and its gift cards will remain valid for three years from the date of purchase.

Will you be affected by TheFork’s closure, members? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Never heard of them.

 

[Klaus A]

Never heard of that

 

[Countryjohn]

For many food enthusiasts, the convenience of booking a table at their favourite restaurant with just a few clicks has become second nature.

However, the landscape of digital dining reservations is set to change with the announcement that TheFork, a prominent global restaurant booking platform, will cease operations in Australia by the end of March.

TheFork, known for its seamless reservation system and loyalty rewards, has been a go-to for diners looking to secure a spot at some of the country's most sought-after eateries.

But, as the company announced on its website, this service will no longer be available to Australian customers after 'careful consideration' of the platform's future in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic toll.

View attachment 38859

TheFork announced that its Australian operations would cease in March 2024. Source: @theforkau/Instagram

‘We understand that this decision may come as a surprise, and we want to assure you that this was not a choice made lightly,’ the announcement reads.

‘Due to the significant impact the pandemic had on the global economy, particularly the hospitality industry, we therefore had to implement certain cost measures, which includes a reduction of TheFork's geographical footprint,’ the company said.

For loyal users of TheFork, this news means more than finding a new way to book tables.

The platform's loyalty program, which allowed diners to accumulate points known as 'Yums', is also ending. Customers are urged to redeem their Yums before the March 31 cutoff, after which any remaining points will expire and become inaccessible.

Despite the impending closure, TheFork will continue to accept bookings for Australian restaurants until the end of March.

Additionally, any gift cards purchased through the platform will retain their validity for three years from the date of purchase, offering some consolation to those who might have received or bought them recently.

TheFork's journey in Australia began in 2009 under the name Dimmi, a brainchild of local tech entrepreneur Stevan Premutico. The platform quickly gained popularity and became a fixture in the Australian dining scene.

In 2015, Dimmi was acquired by TripAdvisor and subsequently rebranded as TheFork in 2019, aligning with its international presence.

View attachment 38858

TheFork advised its customers to redeem their Yums points. Source: TheFork

After his venture with Dimmi, Mr Premutico continued to innovate within the hospitality tech space, launching the QR code restaurant ordering app menu.

As the platform prepares to bow out, diners and restaurateurs alike will be looking for alternative solutions to fill the void left by TheFork's departure.

For our members who have embraced technology to enhance their dining experiences, this news may be particularly disheartening.

However, it's important to remember that the Australian market is resilient and innovative. New platforms and booking systems are likely to emerge, offering fresh and exciting ways to connect diners with their favourite restaurants.

Key Takeaways

• TheFork, a global online restaurant booking and review platform, will cease its Australian operations at the end of March.
• The closure is attributed to the need for cost-cutting measures due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the global economy and the hospitality industry.
• Customers will need to redeem their Yums points from TheFork's loyalty program by March 31, after which the points will expire.
• TheFork will continue to take bookings for Australian restaurants until the closure date, and its gift cards will remain valid for three years from the date of purchase.

Will you be affected by TheFork’s closure, members? Share your experiences in the comments below.

I see that as a positive move and wish booking.com and similar would also leave. I like to speak directly with the place I am booking wether for a meal or somewhere to stay. They are often no cheaper than going direct anyway. Oh, thats customer service which we have lost here. Thats OK AI will be doing it soon so nothing to worry about.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Looks like they are Forked....

 

[IAN3005]

For many food enthusiasts, the convenience of booking a table at their favourite restaurant with just a few clicks has become second nature.

However, the landscape of digital dining reservations is set to change with the announcement that TheFork, a prominent global restaurant booking platform, will cease operations in Australia by the end of March.

TheFork, known for its seamless reservation system and loyalty rewards, has been a go-to for diners looking to secure a spot at some of the country's most sought-after eateries.

But, as the company announced on its website, this service will no longer be available to Australian customers after 'careful consideration' of the platform's future in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic toll.

View attachment 38859

TheFork announced that its Australian operations would cease in March 2024. Source: @theforkau/Instagram

‘We understand that this decision may come as a surprise, and we want to assure you that this was not a choice made lightly,’ the announcement reads.

‘Due to the significant impact the pandemic had on the global economy, particularly the hospitality industry, we therefore had to implement certain cost measures, which includes a reduction of TheFork's geographical footprint,’ the company said.

For loyal users of TheFork, this news means more than finding a new way to book tables.

The platform's loyalty program, which allowed diners to accumulate points known as 'Yums', is also ending. Customers are urged to redeem their Yums before the March 31 cutoff, after which any remaining points will expire and become inaccessible.

Despite the impending closure, TheFork will continue to accept bookings for Australian restaurants until the end of March.

Additionally, any gift cards purchased through the platform will retain their validity for three years from the date of purchase, offering some consolation to those who might have received or bought them recently.

TheFork's journey in Australia began in 2009 under the name Dimmi, a brainchild of local tech entrepreneur Stevan Premutico. The platform quickly gained popularity and became a fixture in the Australian dining scene.

In 2015, Dimmi was acquired by TripAdvisor and subsequently rebranded as TheFork in 2019, aligning with its international presence.

View attachment 38858

TheFork advised its customers to redeem their Yums points. Source: TheFork

After his venture with Dimmi, Mr Premutico continued to innovate within the hospitality tech space, launching the QR code restaurant ordering app menu.

As the platform prepares to bow out, diners and restaurateurs alike will be looking for alternative solutions to fill the void left by TheFork's departure.

For our members who have embraced technology to enhance their dining experiences, this news may be particularly disheartening.

However, it's important to remember that the Australian market is resilient and innovative. New platforms and booking systems are likely to emerge, offering fresh and exciting ways to connect diners with their favourite restaurants.

Key Takeaways

• TheFork, a global online restaurant booking and review platform, will cease its Australian operations at the end of March.
• The closure is attributed to the need for cost-cutting measures due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the global economy and the hospitality industry.
• Customers will need to redeem their Yums points from TheFork's loyalty program by March 31, after which the points will expire.
• TheFork will continue to take bookings for Australian restaurants until the closure date, and its gift cards will remain valid for three years from the date of purchase.

Will you be affected by TheFork’s closure, members? Share your experiences in the comments b

 

[IAN3005]

For many food enthusiasts, the convenience of booking a table at their favourite restaurant with just a few clicks has become second nature.

However, the landscape of digital dining reservations is set to change with the announcement that TheFork, a prominent global restaurant booking platform, will cease operations in Australia by the end of March.

TheFork, known for its seamless reservation system and loyalty rewards, has been a go-to for diners looking to secure a spot at some of the country's most sought-after eateries.

But, as the company announced on its website, this service will no longer be available to Australian customers after 'careful consideration' of the platform's future in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic toll.

View attachment 38859

TheFork announced that its Australian operations would cease in March 2024. Source: @theforkau/Instagram

‘We understand that this decision may come as a surprise, and we want to assure you that this was not a choice made lightly,’ the announcement reads.

‘Due to the significant impact the pandemic had on the global economy, particularly the hospitality industry, we therefore had to implement certain cost measures, which includes a reduction of TheFork's geographical footprint,’ the company said.

For loyal users of TheFork, this news means more than finding a new way to book tables.

The platform's loyalty program, which allowed diners to accumulate points known as 'Yums', is also ending. Customers are urged to redeem their Yums before the March 31 cutoff, after which any remaining points will expire and become inaccessible.

Despite the impending closure, TheFork will continue to accept bookings for Australian restaurants until the end of March.

Additionally, any gift cards purchased through the platform will retain their validity for three years from the date of purchase, offering some consolation to those who might have received or bought them recently.

TheFork's journey in Australia began in 2009 under the name Dimmi, a brainchild of local tech entrepreneur Stevan Premutico. The platform quickly gained popularity and became a fixture in the Australian dining scene.

In 2015, Dimmi was acquired by TripAdvisor and subsequently rebranded as TheFork in 2019, aligning with its international presence.

View attachment 38858

TheFork advised its customers to redeem their Yums points. Source: TheFork

After his venture with Dimmi, Mr Premutico continued to innovate within the hospitality tech space, launching the QR code restaurant ordering app menu.

As the platform prepares to bow out, diners and restaurateurs alike will be looking for alternative solutions to fill the void left by TheFork's departure.

For our members who have embraced technology to enhance their dining experiences, this news may be particularly disheartening.

However, it's important to remember that the Australian market is resilient and innovative. New platforms and booking systems are likely to emerge, offering fresh and exciting ways to connect diners with their favourite restaurants.

Key Takeaways

• TheFork, a global online restaurant booking and review platform, will cease its Australian operations at the end of March.
• The closure is attributed to the need for cost-cutting measures due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the global economy and the hospitality industry.
• Customers will need to redeem their Yums points from TheFork's loyalty program by March 31, after which the points will expire.
• TheFork will continue to take bookings for Australian restaurants until the closure date, and its gift cards will remain valid for three years from the date of purchase.

Will you be affected by TheFork’s closure, members? Share your experiences in the comments below.

The first of many that will close.
An Uber delivery person says that business is slack to the point where he will have 2 deliveries in a 10 hour shift.

 

[Jarred Santos]

The first of many that will close.
An Uber delivery person says that business is slack to the point where he will have 2 deliveries in a 10 hour shift.

While I don't much care for the big corporations, I do feel for the people just trying to get by each day. Hopefully, business picks up

 

[IAN3005]

While I don't much care for the big corporations, I do feel for the people just trying to get by each day. Hopefully, business picks up

Not in the next 6 months at least...if not longer.
People are trying to pay off their credit cards @ 26% interest rates.
Plus the push on cashless transactions.... my guess is that they will be the first go.

 

[Tamaya]

For many food enthusiasts, the convenience of booking a table at their favourite restaurant with just a few clicks has become second nature.

However, the landscape of digital dining reservations is set to change with the announcement that TheFork, a prominent global restaurant booking platform, will cease operations in Australia by the end of March.

TheFork, known for its seamless reservation system and loyalty rewards, has been a go-to for diners looking to secure a spot at some of the country's most sought-after eateries.

But, as the company announced on its website, this service will no longer be available to Australian customers after 'careful consideration' of the platform's future in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic toll.

View attachment 38859

TheFork announced that its Australian operations would cease in March 2024. Source: @theforkau/Instagram

‘We understand that this decision may come as a surprise, and we want to assure you that this was not a choice made lightly,’ the announcement reads.

‘Due to the significant impact the pandemic had on the global economy, particularly the hospitality industry, we therefore had to implement certain cost measures, which includes a reduction of TheFork's geographical footprint,’ the company said.

For loyal users of TheFork, this news means more than finding a new way to book tables.

The platform's loyalty program, which allowed diners to accumulate points known as 'Yums', is also ending. Customers are urged to redeem their Yums before the March 31 cutoff, after which any remaining points will expire and become inaccessible.

Despite the impending closure, TheFork will continue to accept bookings for Australian restaurants until the end of March.

Additionally, any gift cards purchased through the platform will retain their validity for three years from the date of purchase, offering some consolation to those who might have received or bought them recently.

TheFork's journey in Australia began in 2009 under the name Dimmi, a brainchild of local tech entrepreneur Stevan Premutico. The platform quickly gained popularity and became a fixture in the Australian dining scene.

In 2015, Dimmi was acquired by TripAdvisor and subsequently rebranded as TheFork in 2019, aligning with its international presence.

View attachment 38858

TheFork advised its customers to redeem their Yums points. Source: TheFork

After his venture with Dimmi, Mr Premutico continued to innovate within the hospitality tech space, launching the QR code restaurant ordering app menu.

As the platform prepares to bow out, diners and restaurateurs alike will be looking for alternative solutions to fill the void left by TheFork's departure.

For our members who have embraced technology to enhance their dining experiences, this news may be particularly disheartening.

However, it's important to remember that the Australian market is resilient and innovative. New platforms and booking systems are likely to emerge, offering fresh and exciting ways to connect diners with their favourite restaurants.

Key Takeaways

• TheFork, a global online restaurant booking and review platform, will cease its Australian operations at the end of March.
• The closure is attributed to the need for cost-cutting measures due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the global economy and the hospitality industry.
• Customers will need to redeem their Yums points from TheFork's loyalty program by March 31, after which the points will expire.
• TheFork will continue to take bookings for Australian restaurants until the closure date, and its gift cards will remain valid for three years from the date of purchase.

Will you be affected by TheFork’s closure, members? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Never heard of TheFork before. I am an old fashioned girl who still drives to the favourite restaurants and checks if a table is available. Perhaps I give them a direct call first if I know they are high in demand.

 

[Babbie]

I see that as a positive move and wish booking.com and similar would also leave. I like to speak directly with the place I am booking wether for a meal or somewhere to stay. They are often no cheaper than going direct anyway. Oh, thats customer service which we have lost here. Thats OK AI will be doing it soon so nothing to worry about.

Well, just because you don't like various booking platforms, does not mean others agree. I have used found booking .com, fantastic, especially when booking last minute accommodation overseas. In a democracy it is called CHOICE.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Well, just because you don't like various booking platforms, does not mean others agree. I have used found booking .com, fantastic, especially when booking last minute accommodation overseas. In a democracy it is called CHOICE.

I agree, I use bookings.com all the time. So much easier to.scroll through all their different listings than to be ringing around to numerous places yourself checking costs, availability etc.
I have always found them cheaper and usually qualify for a 10%discount
for being a Genius rated member.
Never had any trouble at all
Easy peasy.
As for restaurant bookings that doesn't bother me at all, I hardly ever eat out anyway

 

[Babbie]

Expedia is also good. They are an Australian based company, and you can earn points for booking with them. Great to compare prices.

 

[rathompson]

I have booked online through The Fork and it’s predecessor Dimmi for years. Simple, easy to use and fast, they also send a reminder. Much easier and faster than a phone call. I will miss the app.