OpenSeat program allows diners to share a meal with a stranger at several area restaurants

The Virginia Tourism Corporation announced a new program in partnership with OpenTable last week designed to help diners meet someone new.

OpenSeat, as the program is known, allows diners to opt-in to share an open seat at their table with someone new. The program is designed to bring people together over a shared meal and celebrate common ground. Nearly 30 restaurants across Virginia are participating in the pilot program.

To participate, guests book their reservations at one of the participating restaurants on OpenTable. Before completing the reservation, diners simply write “OpenSeat” in the notes section. If another guest walks into the restaurant that has also opted into the program, both parties will be seated together. They’ll then have the opportunity to connect around the table and get to know one another. Participants will also receive a complimentary appetizer.

Locally, Rappahannock Restaurant, Pasture, Little Saint, West Coast Provisions, Pearl Raw Bar, Comfort, Saison, Max’s On Broad, The Hard Shell, both locations of Tarrant’s, and Maple & Pine are participating in the program.

“The OpenSeat programs allows diners to meet new people over a shared meal at our most beloved restaurants, and discover for themselves why Virginia is for food lovers,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. We are thrilled to be partnering with OpenTable this fall on such a fun, innovative program that is sure to bring many new people together.”

To learn more about OpenSeat program, click here.