PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND – Some college students are known to work part-time jobs to earn extra cash, such as in the school cafeteria or local coffee shop. However, at Brown University in Rhode Island, sophomore Alex Eisler has found a unique way to make money – selling dinner reservations at some of New York City’s most popular restaurants.
Using an app called Appointment Trader, Eisler facilitates the sale of coveted seats at restaurants like 4 Charles, Don Angie, and Carbone, earning himself $100,000 over the past 19 months. This practice has sparked controversy among top restaurants, as getting reservations at these in-demand spots is nearly impossible for everyday New Yorkers and tourists.
While platforms like Resy offer a free and popular option for securing reservations at thousands of restaurants worldwide, reservations at New York City’s hottest dining spots disappear within seconds of becoming available. This demand led to the rise of platforms like Appointment Trader, where users can pay extra to secure a spot in addition to the cost of their meal, which can reach hundreds of dollars in the city.
Appointment Trader operates by allowing its 15,000 sellers to acquire sought-after reservations, which are then listed on the platform for users to bid on. The higher the demand, the higher the final price. Creator Jonas Frey explained that the idea for the app stemmed from his frustration with waiting in line at the DMV, realizing there was a demand for paying for appointments.
Despite initial backlash and cease-and-desist letters, Appointment Trader has seen tremendous success, with sales totaling $5.7 million in reservations over the past year. Most of the profits go to sellers like Eisler, with the site taking a 20% to 30% cut. Eisler, one of the top sellers on the platform, manages his business while balancing his college schedule.
Eisler’s success on Appointment Trader stems from his dedication to securing reservations through various methods, including using multiple Resy accounts, emails, programmed bots, and different voices when calling restaurants. However, he faces challenges such as terminated accounts and the risk of being flagged by restaurants or Resy for reselling reservations.
While some restaurants have partnered with platforms like Appointment Trader, there are concerns about the impact of selling reservations on the overall dining experience. Restaurant manager Siria Alvarez of Tatiana, a highly-ranked establishment in New York City, expressed frustration with the practice, stating that it makes exclusive dining options even more inaccessible. Alvarez emphasized the importance of fairness in the reservation process, highlighting the struggle for guests who attempt to secure a spot through traditional means.
In response, Frey argued that selling reservations opens up elite dining experiences to a broader audience. He noted that oversold restaurants often limit access to only the elite, and putting a price tag on reservations allows more people to enjoy these culinary experiences. While the debate continues between those who support and oppose the practice, the buying and selling of reservations remain a contentious issue in the world of fine dining.