Resy Ordinance in the USA: What It Means for Consumers and Restaurants

Resy Ordinance in the USA: What It Means for Consumers and Restaurants

Imagine it’s Friday night in New York City. You and your friends decide to grab dinner at one of the hot spots in town. You check Resy on your phone, but all the prime-time slots are booked. For many New Yorkers, this moment of panic is all too familiar.

But there’s more to the story than just sold-out tables. A new ordinance in the U.S. is changing how reservations can be booked, bought, and sold. Platforms like Resy, now owned by American Express  are at the center of this discussion.

So, what does the Resy Ordinance mean for diners, restaurants, and the future of dining culture? Let’s break it down.

Resy: From Premium Access to Everyday Dining

When Resy first launched, many viewed it as a “pay-for-play” app. Want a hot reservation? Pay a premium. The concept became popular and even featured on the front page of The New York Times in June and again in The New York Times Magazine that October.

But premium reservations were just the start. Today, Resy has become one of the most popular restaurant reservation platforms in the U.S., helping millions of diners secure tables every day.

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Dining Demand Is Still Strong

Despite inflation and rising food costs, Americans continue to eat out. In an interview with Bloomberg Television Resy’s CEO Pablo Rivero stated:

“People are still going out, trying to find that human connection with people, and the dining table is a perfect space for that.”

Even though some restaurants are struggling with higher rent and food costs, Rivero pointed out that demand remains strong. People continue to seek the connection, experience, and atmosphere that dining out offers.

The Legal Shift: Reservation Anti-Piracy Law

This is where the ordinance comes in. For years, certain platforms allowed people to buy and sell reservations much like scalping concert tickets. In New York City, this set up a system where wealthy individuals could skip the line, leaving others out.

That changed this spring with the introduction of the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Law. This new ordinance shut down many resale platforms, creating a fairer playing field for regular diners.

Interestingly, one company, Appointment Trader, is attempting to relaunch with an AI-powered chatbot. They are reportedly using Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act as a legal shield. Whether this approach will succeed is still unclear.

What the Resy Ordinance Means for Diners

So, what does this mean if you’re just trying to book a table?

Fairer Access: No more competing against bots or scalpers driving up reservation costs.

Reliable Reservations: Platforms like Resy ensure the table you book is real and legitimate.

Premium Still Exists: If you’re okay with paying extra, Resy offers premium booking options, but within a legal framework.

In short, the ordinance makes dining reservations more accessible and transparent, which benefits consumers.

What It Means for Restaurants

Restaurants can benefit too. Here’s how:

Less Reservation Abuse: Scalped or fake reservations often lead to no-shows, costing restaurants money.

Better Customer Data: With real reservations, restaurants can track diner preferences, leading to stronger customer loyalty.

Fairer Business Practices: The ordinance reduces the financial strain caused by unfair reservation systems.

Despite facing challenges like rising rent and inflation, transparent platforms like Resy offer stability.

Eating Out vs. Eating In: A Balancing Act

Not everyone is eating out as often. Rising prices have pushed some to cook more meals at home. For example, in a Reuters report, Marilena Graziano, a teacher in Florence, said:

“I eat much more at home because first of all eating out is way more expensive lately, and quality is not always guaranteed.”

In the U.S., major grocery chains like Ahold Delhaize  which owns Food Lion and Giant, are expanding their low-cost meal options. According to CEO Frans Muller, families can prepare meals for as little as $2.50 per person at home.

This shows a clear divide: while dining out thrives thanks to platforms like Resy, cost-conscious families are shifting to affordable grocery options.

Why Dining Out Still Matters

Here’s the bigger picture: eating out isn’t just about food. It’s about experience, culture, and connection.

Pablo Rivero put it best when he said dining out allows you to “find that human connection.” Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a night out with friends, the dining table is where people reconnect.

Even as ordinances regulate reservations and inflation drives prices up, this cultural truth keeps dining out vibrant.

The Future of Resy and U.S. Dining

Looking ahead, the Resy Ordinance in the USA signals a move toward fairness and transparency in dining reservations. Platforms like Resy are positioned to thrive because they:

Provide legitimacy and trust to diners.

Support restaurants with accurate data and reliable customers.

Adjust to new laws while still offering premium services.

At the same time, restaurants will balance rising costs with the need to attract loyal customers. Consumers will continue to choose between affordable meals at home and the unique experience of dining out.

In the end, one thing is clear: Resy is not just a tool for reservations; it’s becoming part of the fabric of American dining culture.

FAQs About the Resy Ordinance

1. What is the Resy Ordinance?  

It refers to laws like the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Law in New York, which regulate how reservations are bought and sold.

2. Is Resy legal under the new law?  

Yes, Resy operates legally as part of the American Express ecosystem, offering fair and transparent reservations.

3. Why was reservation scalping banned?  

Because it inflated prices, created unfair access, and hurt both restaurants and consumers.

4. Is eating out still popular despite inflation?  

Yes. According to Bloomberg  consumer demand for dining out remains strong, even as costs rise.