New website helps diners make delicious savings
Two Gold Coast brothers have launched an Australian-first website which gives diners exclusive restaurant discounts and establishments a free and easy way to fill their empty tables.
Dinemore.com.au, the brainchild of Peter and Nicholas Elias, is an online community for diners and restaurants where visitors can purchase gift certificates for a fraction of the actual value to establishments listed on its site.
Each certificate offers diners significant savings and the chance to experience a new place to dine, while helping put patrons on restaurant seats.
Peter and Nicholas grew up on the Gold Coast and worked their way through the ranks of some of the city’s best resorts and hotels before moving into IT.
The pair began travelling the world in 2001, taking management positions within prominent hospitality venues across London. In 2005, they set up a successful bar/restaurant in Florianopolis in Brazil’s south which attracted the likes of supermodel Gisele Bundchen and former world tennis number one Gustavo Kuerten.
But it wasn’t until 2009 while driving across the US in a Winnebago that the pair hatched the idea of Dinemore.com.au, which operates out of Ann Street in Brisbane’s CBD.
“The concept allows restaurant owners to be promoted, marketed and exposed to a national audience with no out of pocket costs, while diners can access exclusive offers and discounts they won’t find offline” said Peter.
“Nicholas and I had been working on a business plan for restaurant marketing since 2003 and were able to meld more than 10 years of research and experience with what we found in the US.
“Dinemore offers a win-win experience for diners and restaurateurs alike.”
More than 65 restaurants from Geelong to Cairns have signed on to the website after only six weeks, with plans to grow that number to 500 by the end of the year.
Restaurants are able to select the restrictions attached to the gift certificates they offer. For example, diners can purchase a $50 gift certificate for only $20, valid with a minimum spend of $100.
Restaurants receive a free site listing, including restaurant details, menu and map, as well as access to customer feedback and surveys.
“Our database is growing every day but we are always looking for more restaurants to sign on,” Nicholas said.
“Restaurants finally have an easy and free way to help fill their empty tables. The global financial crisis has affected many establishments and Dinemore.com.au is an excellent way to encourage people to continue supporting restaurants.”
Popular venues listed on Dinemore include Saks Restaurant and Bar at Main Beach on the Gold Coast, Tomodachi Sushi Bar in Melbourne’s CBD and national restaurant chain Outback Jack’s Bar and Grill.
