Stock Hill switches to OpenTable for expanded reach and reliable tools

Discover how industry veteran Alan Gaylin uses OpenTable to keep seats full and shifts running like clockwork at one of Kansas City’s most celebrated dining destinations.

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Stock Hill switches to OpenTable for expanded reach and reliable tools

Discover how industry veteran Alan Gaylin uses OpenTable to keep seats full and shifts running like clockwork at one of Kansas City’s most celebrated dining destinations.

Explore plans

Contact sales

At Stock Hill, a sophisticated Kansas City gem, every detail is crafted to push the boundaries of culinary innovation and create unforgettable dining experiences that linger long after the last bite.

Founded in 2017 by industry veteran Alan Gaylin, the restaurant is celebrated for its unique approach to steak preparation, set against a backdrop that marries big-city elegance with a welcoming ambiance. This combination has made it a go-to destination for corporate gatherings and local diners alike, cementing its status as a cornerstone of Kansas City’s vibrant dining scene.

Stock Hill’s journey with OpenTable has been a key factor in its success, increasing its visibility and enabling the team to deliver the top-notch hospitality they’re known for. Even after trying out a different reservation system, they returned to our platform for its unmatched functionality and exceptional support.

TYPE OF RESTAURANT

Individual

LOCATION

Kansas City, MO

YEAR FOUNDED

2017

Meeting guests where they are

At Stock Hill, understanding and catering to guests’ preferences is paramount—and that includes making sure diners can book their tables however they like. Alan recalls the days when that meant having phone calls forwarded to his personal line so he never missed a reservation and keeping a pen and paper handy at all times. Today, it means being easily bookable online.

“We tried a competitor and our reservations went down. Diners couldn’t find us,” says Alan. The other system was clunky and hard to navigate, leading to missed reservations and frustrated guests. Additionally, they weren’t reaching the audience of diners they wanted to maintain a full reservation book. With reservations lagging, the restaurant quickly returned to OpenTable, ensuring a seamless booking process for guests once again.

“I guarantee you’re going to get the most coverage with OpenTable,” Alan says, emphasizing the platform’s reach and reliability.

I guarantee you’re going to get the most coverage with OpenTable.

Running an efficient front-of-house

Managing Stock Hill’s expansive 14,000 square feet—complete with a mezzanine, three private dining areas, and a breathtaking central bar with 25-foot ceilings—requires precision and efficiency. For Alan, having the right person at the front desk is critical to keeping the dining room humming.

“One of the most important parts of the business is operating the front desk efficiently to get people seated in the right seat at the right time,” he says. With OpenTable, our team can effortlessly manage fluctuating guest arrivals. “OpenTable simplifies everything, making it easy to adjust seating with just a few taps. It fills in the gaps and does a lot of the work for you.”

He says the system’s intuitive design also makes training new staff a breeze, a crucial advantage in today’s challenging labor market, where turnover can be high.

OpenTable does it 100X better than its competitors. The system is easy to use and the team is always listening to what restaurants need.

Staying top of mind with diners—automatically

Beyond operations, Stock Hill’s marketing manager Meredith Schulte has been instrumental in building and maintaining the restaurant’s brand within the community. Leveraging OpenTable’s Pro plan, she’s been able to amplify their marketing efforts without extra work.

Meredith sends targeted, automated email marketing campaigns through OpenTable to drive guest loyalty and ensure Stock Hill remains top of mind. Because she can customize each email with the restaurant’s logo and brand colors, she’s able to maintain consistency and build brand recognition easily. Depending on the campaign type, she goes as far as personalizing emails with a reward—like a complimentary item or discount—to ensure guests feel valued and excited to return.

“In less than two weeks, we’ve seen guests coming in just because of those emails and rewards,” says Meredith. “It’s been a nice way to automate things so that we’re always front of mind with people.”

Alan agrees, “[The email campaigns] are just so simple. When you can make contact with your consumer like that—it doesn’t get any more valuable than that.”

Set up for continued success

From marketing to front-of-house operations, OpenTable provides Stock Hill with the tools they need to stay ahead. Alan’s opinion for fellow restaurateurs: “OpenTable does it 100X better than its competitors. The system is easy to use and the team is always listening to what restaurants need—and that makes a huge difference.”

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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