Lunchgate

Lunchgate AG operates as a key digital partner for the gastronomy sector in Switzerland, providing a suite of software solutions designed to enhance restaurant management and guest experiences. Founded in May 2009 by Christian Riner and Marc Locher, the Zurich-based company has established itself as a significant player in the Swiss restaurant technology market. In November 2016, the company underwent a management change, with the founders transitioning leadership to a new team to spearhead the next phase of growth. This new leadership included Nikolaus Wein as Chairman of the Board and Martin Weisskopf as CEO.

The company's core business revolves around its proprietary reservation and table management system, foratable, which serves over 1,000 restaurants and hotels. This software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform is designed to automate and streamline operations for restaurateurs. Key features include an electronic reservation book for managing bookings and walk-ins, assigning tables, and handling special requests like weather-dependent seating. The system also helps establishments manage guest profiles to identify and cater to high-value customers, personalizing the dining experience along the entire customer journey. More recently, Lunchgate has integrated AI-supported functions and a caller-ID feature in partnership with peoplefone to further streamline phone reservations.

For diners, Lunchgate operates a free-to-use online portal that serves as a restaurant discovery platform. It provides detailed and current information, including daily lunch menus, specials, and immersive 360° panoramic pictures of restaurant interiors. Users can search for restaurants based on criteria like cuisine, ambiance, and location, and book tables directly through the platform. The company generates revenue through its comprehensive product portfolio for restaurateurs, which includes the reservation system, custom website creation, and enhanced online profiles. It also operates a culinary blog and a large email newsletter in the Zurich area to connect diners with restaurants.

Financially, Lunchgate has progressed from its initial seed funding in May 2011 to an early-stage venture round in December 2014, raising a total of $827K. The company was acquired in a merger/acquisition deal on November 8, 2016. It continues to operate from its headquarters in Zurich, aiming to expand its market penetration and continuously evolve its product offerings for the rapidly changing hospitality industry.

Keywords: restaurant reservation system, table management software, gastronomy platform, Swiss FoodTech, restaurant SaaS, online booking, guest experience management, foratable, digital menus, restaurant marketing, hospitality technology, Christian Riner, Marc Locher, Nikolaus Wein, Zurich startup, restaurant operations, guest profile management, 360 panoramic tours, culinary portal, restaurant discovery