How one restaurant uses OpenTable to keep its dining room humming

We caught up with McEwen’s Memphis co-owner John Littlefield to hear how OpenTable helps his restaurant run like a well-oiled machine.

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How one restaurant uses OpenTable to keep its dining room humming

We caught up with McEwen’s Memphis co-owner John Littlefield to hear how OpenTable helps his restaurant run like a well-oiled machine.

Explore plans

Contact sales

Nestled in a historic 130-year-old building just blocks from the Mississippi River, McEwen’s Memphis serves contemporary American cuisine with Southern influences.

McEwen’s Memphis co-owner John Littlefield signed the restaurant up for OpenTable when he took over with his business partner in 2008 and hasn’t looked back since. “We’ve been using OpenTable for about 16 years, and the system gets better every year,” he said.

We caught up with him to hear how he uses OpenTable to increase efficiency and get the most out of his dining space.

TYPE OF RESTAURANT

Individual

LOCATION

Memphis, TN

YEAR FOUNDED

Opened in 1997; New
ownership in 2008

Maximizing capacity effortlessly

Making the best use of their floor plan to maximize capacity is a priority for the McEwen’s Memphis team. “We always want to get as many people in the door as we possibly can—and that’s where OpenTable helps,” said Littlefield.

But it’s about more than filling tables. Littlefield describes using OpenTable as “like having an extra employee.” Because the system works in the background to optimize their tables, his team is freed up to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional food and hospitality to guests.

Customizable and intuitive tools anyone can use

At McEwen’s Memphis, lunch and dinner shifts look very different. That’s why OpenTable’s flexible and intuitive system is so essential. The ability to easily customize settings gives the team greater control over their availability and makes everyone’s jobs easier.

For example, because the team knows their guests’ behaviors well, they can adjust their turn times to allow for lengthy business conversations at lunch. During the dinner shift, they turn tables faster, accommodating guests dining before heading to the theater nearby.

A system they can count on, shift after shift

Littlefield appreciates the reliability of OpenTable when it comes to managing their reservations and front of house operations efficiently. He knows he can count on accurate, up-to-date diner info in his guestbook, which makes it easy to confirm reservations and reach out when needed. Additionally, the restaurant is able to operate without interruption, giving them the peace of mind that comes with a system designed for reliability.

“The system is very user-friendly. It’s easy to navigate, and our team can learn it fast,” said Littlefield.

McEwen’s Memphis’s partnership with OpenTable has been a key element supporting its growth and operational success over the years. It allows the restaurant’s team to efficiently manage reservations, optimize tables, and ensure every guest has a memorable experience.

Learn more about restaurant reservation software

Take charge of your reservations with OpenTable’s best-in-class restaurant reservation management system, providing access to the world’s largest diner network. Explore our blog posts for tips on optimizing bookings, enhancing the guest experience, and maximizing your restaurant’s success through effective reservation management.

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