Groupon Now Offering Reservation-Based Deals With Time Limit

Groupon announced today that they will be offering new reservation-based deals with time limits for restaurants which will prompt discount-seekers to make a reservation while taking the Groupon deal. The purchase of the deal is booked in advance for a specific date and time, and customers can then make their reservation at the time of purchase or afterward.

Since the reservation and deal are booked ahead of time, there will be no need to present the Groupon to the server. Instead, the discount will already be in the restaurant's system.

"Groupon is making it easier for people to buy and book what they want, when they want it and also providing local businesses with an important yield management tool that drives additional revenue," said Julie Szudarek, senior vice president, Local Deals. "Our new booking technology provides merchants even greater control over their deals to match the needs of their business and offers a tremendous customer experience."

The new Groupon feature was tested in Chicago at Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill, and other restaurants, and can now be used at any restaurant nationwide, where reservations are accepted.

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Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi