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Tech on the Table: DoorDash Snaps Up SevenRooms for $1.2 Billion

DoorDash is making major moves on the global hospitality tech chessboard—and the ripple effects are already being felt all the way to Melbourne’s buzzy dining precincts. In a headline-grabbing move, the delivery giant recently scooped up UK-based Deliveroo for a hefty $3.8 billion, and has swiftly followed that by acquiring SevenRooms, the hospitality industry's favourite reservation and CRM platform, in a deal valued at $1.2 billion.

While Aussies might have noticed Deliveroo hopping off local streets in 2022, the turquoise backpacks remain ubiquitous across the UK, fiercely competing with the likes of Uber Eats. DoorDash’s bold strategy positions it as a truly global player, expanding its reach across dining and delivery worldwide.

SevenRooms, meanwhile, is already well-known in the restaurant world—trusted by iconic groups globally such as MGM Resorts, Mandarin Oriental, Wolfgang Puck, and closer to home, Melbourne’s Lucas Group (Chin Chin, Kisumé, Grill Americano, Maison Bâtard), Trader House (Gimlet, Cumulus, Cutler, Supernormal), and Prahran’s chic favourite, Caboodle &Co (Entrecôte, Gigi, Hopper Joint). If you've booked a table at any leading dining hotspot lately, there's a good chance you've interacted with SevenRooms' slick, behind-the-scenes technology.

Founded in New York City by Joel Montaniel, Allison Page, and Kinesh Patel back in 2011, SevenRooms quickly became indispensable for hospitality operators looking to streamline guest experiences—from personalised marketing and reservations to intuitive guest insights. This clever tech acquisition promises an exciting synergy: DoorDash plans to integrate SevenRooms' robust CRM and guest management capabilities directly into its existing Commerce Platform.

Parisa Sadrzadeh, DoorDash’s VP of Strategy and Operations, highlights the global significance of this pairing. "Our goal is to empower restaurants everywhere, helping them create memorable dining experiences that build lasting loyalty," she notes. For restaurants, this merger means easier access to powerful data analytics, smarter table management, and targeted marketing tools.

Joel Montaniel echoed this enthusiasm, emphasising the alignment between DoorDash and SevenRooms’ visions. "Restaurants are the lifeblood of neighbourhoods," he remarked. "Now, together with DoorDash’s vast consumer network, venues have an unprecedented opportunity to turn one-off diners into lifelong regulars."

Melbourne’s famously vibrant dining culture—a city that often sets global trends—will no doubt benefit from these advancements. As competition intensifies, local venues embracing this tech evolution could see significant boosts in profitability and guest satisfaction.

DoorDash’s ambitious strategy underscores a clear shift beyond mere food delivery, instead marking its territory as a dominant force in global hospitality innovation. Whether dining in Melbourne or London, your next culinary adventure might be powered by DoorDash and SevenRooms—adding a new dash of tech-driven delight to your plate.