Exciting News from Charleston: A New App Revolutionizes Dining Out
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as local food lovers and restaurant enthusiasts get ready to embrace a brand-new innovation in dining. Blackbird is a fresh payments and rewards network that connects customers with the vibrant restaurant scene in this beautiful city. Launched by veteran restaurateur Ben Leventhal, Blackbird is designed to enhance the dining experience while helping restaurants thrive.
The Vision Behind Blackbird
For those unfamiliar, Ben Leventhal is no stranger to the restaurant industry. With a solid 20 years of experience, he co-founded Resy, a platform that simplifies reservations, and also launched Eater, a popular resource for food lovers seeking updates on culinary delights across the nation. Now, Leventhal is on a mission to take things a step further with Blackbird, which began its journey in April 2023. Right out of the gate, it kicked off operations in three cities: New York City, San Francisco, and our own beloved Charleston.
Why Charleston?
Leventhal has always held a special fondness for Charleston. “I always loved Charleston,” he said, “and I always enjoyed being in Charleston. I think it really punches above its weight class in terms of the quality and the caliber of the restaurants here.” His goal? To make Blackbird a staple wherever people adore fine dining and where restaurants embrace their patrons.
Growing Quickly
Already, Blackbird is becoming a household name in Charleston’s culinary community. By the end of this year, more than 50 locations are expected to adopt the Blackbird platform, which currently includes notable names like The Daily, Leon’s, Melfi’s, and 82 Queen. The buzz is palpable, and with over 30 locations already on board, it seems that Charleston’s dining scene is ready to embrace this exciting change.
What Makes Blackbird Unique?
So, what exactly does Blackbird offer? Well, it’s pretty straightforward. Customers can sign up for a free membership that operates much like traditional airline rewards programs. The more patrons use the service, the more $FLY they earn, which is Blackbird’s unique currency. This currency can be loaded onto an account and also earned through purchases made at partner restaurants.
Leventhal emphasizes the importance of creating a solid relationship between restaurants and their customers. “It’s about understanding who their customers are and where they come from,” he explains. It’s this symbiotic relationship that he hopes to foster to make sure both diners and restaurants benefit.
Listening to the Industry
A key part of Blackbird’s development stems from Leventhal’s commitment to listening to restaurant operators about their challenges. He’s identified significant issues like declining margins and a sense of loss of control over profitability. This insight fueled his desire to create a loyalty program that truly works for establishments. “As somebody who’s been a champion of restaurants for all this time, it feels like a real opportunity to understand what’s going on,” he shared.
A Strong Start and Future Growth
With a remarkable $35 million raised through investments from reputable firms such as American Express Ventures and Union Square Ventures, Blackbird is on solid financial ground. Leventhal’s strategy combines deep empathy with a keen understanding of the restaurant industry.
A Challenge Worth Taking
Creating a startup is no easy feat, and Leventhal knows this firsthand. “You just kind of have to keep going,” he advises. His approach hinges on tenacity and the continuing drive to execute ideas effectively. He’s not only focused on expanding geographically but also on enhancing the technology behind the app, which he aims to position as “world-class software” for users.
Join the Excitement!
As Charleston embraces this new chapter with Blackbird, the future looks bright for both diners and restaurants. Whether you’re a foodie or a restaurant owner, this innovative platform promises a new way to experience and enjoy the culinary treasures our city has to offer. Get ready to embark on a thrilling gastronomic journey, Charleston!
