Charleston Welcomes New Restaurant Loyalty App, Blackbird
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as it embraces a fresh wave of culinary experiences through the official launch of Blackbird, a New York-based restaurant loyalty app. Having recently made its grand debut in the Holy City, Blackbird aims to enhance the dining experience for locals and visitors alike by rewarding their loyalty to some of the city’s beloved eateries.
Connecting Diners to Local Favorites
Although some local restaurants began utilizing Blackbird last year, September marked its official launch across more than 30 local restaurants. This impressive roster is just the beginning; by year’s end, the app plans to partner with around 50 establishments throughout the Charleston area. This expansion is part of Blackbird’s mission to weave itself into the fabric of Charleston’s thriving food scene.
Ben Leventhal, the founder of Blackbird, expressed his enthusiasm for Charleston, stating, “I love Charleston. It’s one of the great food cities in the country and in terms of its size, I just think it punches way above its weight class in terms of restaurants.” With a background as a co-founder of the reservation platform Resy and the influential digital media brand Eater, Leventhal brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
How Blackbird Works
So, what exactly does Blackbird do? It’s simple! As diners check into participating restaurants, they earn points that unlock exclusive perks. These rewards can include last-minute reservations, complimentary welcome drinks, and even access to off-menu items—all things that any foodie would love to experience.
Leventhal believes that a successful restaurant scene is dependent on its locals. He stated, “Locals are the bedrock of the restaurant industry.” It’s clear that Blackbird aims to create a community of loyal patrons and offers a much-deserved treat for those who dine regularly.
A Win-Win for Diners and Restaurateurs
David Schuttenberg and Tina Heath-Schuttenberg, the dynamic duo behind the popular restaurants Beautiful South and Kwei Fei, are already reaping the benefits of using Blackbird. Tina noted, “Once we learned more, it was a no-brainer. We’re able to not only treat guests to VIP services during their visit, but we’re also able to update reservations, invite them to previews, and more through the messaging feature.” This intimate connection adds a personal touch, transforming the dining experience into something truly special.
Heath-Schuttenberg mentioned loving the chance to “spoil” long-time customers at her cult-favorite eatery, Kwei Fei. In a city where dining options are abundant, it can often feel like locals are overlooked in favor of tourists. However, with Blackbird’s loyalty rewards, regular diners can finally feel appreciated.
Bright Outlook for Charleston’s Restaurant Landscape
Despite recent challenges within the restaurant industry—like rising costs and closures—Leventhal remains optimistic. “We are here because we believe in the long-term viability of restaurants,” he said. “There are ebbs and flows to the industry, but we deeply believe in restaurants in the long run, and we think that Blackbird can be a crucial part of the future restaurant economy.”
With Blackbird paving the way, diners in Charleston can look forward to a more rewarding dining experience. As the app continues to grow and connect more locals with their favorite eateries, it reflects a commitment to keeping our beloved restaurant culture thriving. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, now is the perfect time to explore Charleston’s culinary scene and indulge in the perks that come along with it.
