Virginia Tourism partners with OpenTable on new program

Praise of chance interactions has fueled the spread of open office plans across the country, and now a new dining program wants to do something similar in restaurants across Virginia.

On Thursday, Virginia Tourism Corporation and OpenTable, an online restaurant reservation company, announced the launch of OpenSeat. The program gives people making reservations through OpenTable the option of allowing strangers to join their party.

“The OpenSeat programs allow diners to meet new people over a shared meal at our most beloved restaurants, and discover for themselves why Virginia is for food lovers,” Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation, said in a press release.

To participate, people making a reservation through OpenTable have to write “OpenSeat” in the notes section of their reservation. Then if another guest walks into the same restaurant that is participating in the program both parties will be seated together and get a free appetizer.

More than 30 restaurants across Virginia have signed on to the program. They include Alexander’s in Roanoke, Brine at Mosaic in Fairfax and Little Saint in Richmond. A full list of participating restaurants can be found here https://www.opentable.com/openseat.

“To paraphrase William Butler Yeats, there are no strangers, only friends we haven't yet met,” Caroline Potter, OpenTable's chief dining officer, said.