WASHINGTON — Upscale restaurants around the world are going online to research diners who make reservations, in order to give them personalized service.
Some people think that’s disturbing, but a survey by OpenTable finds most people don’t mind:
- 40 percent say “It doesn’t bother me”
- 24 percent say “It’s a good thing”
- 31 percent say “It’s creepy/intrusive”
Area diners can identify with all those perspectives.
“It seems like there’s nothing that’s sacred in terms of having a private space for anything anymore,” says Martin Jones, of Alexandria. He finds the practice troubling, but has nothing against the restaurant industry.
“Whatever you put on the Internet, everybody knows,” says Jack, of D.C., who prefers his last name not be used. “If I want secrecy, I keep it in here,” he adds, pointing toward his head.
Alli, of D.C., also doesn’t want her last name used, but has no problem with restaurants researching customers. “I think that’s good customer service, if they’re not doing it to discriminate against people,” she says.
“I would hope they’d treat everyone the same,” says Daniel Zaic, of D.C.
Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema tells WTOP he can see both sides. “On the one hand, it feels invasive. And shouldn’t every diner expect great service, regardless of his name or bio? I can see where restaurants view the drill as an extension of hospitality, however.”
Sietsema says the bottom line should be great service. “Everyone should be treated equally,” he says.
Kyilene Torain, of D.C., agrees.
“You should already have good service, you shouldn’t have to Google me!” Torain exclaims.
