Popular restaurant booking site TheFork mothballs Australian operations

A popular restaurant booking service is set to cease its operations in Australia due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A popular restaurant booking service is set to cease its operations in Australia due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Supplied.

Global restaurant booking platform TheFork is set to close its Australian operations after 15 years.

The business, which serviced more than 55,000 restaurants across 12 countries, said the decision to end its service in Australia was not a “choice made lightly”.

“After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that TheFork will be discontinuing its operations in Australia,” the company said in a statement.

From the end of March, The Fork’s local website and app will no longer be accessible, the business advised.

Restaurant booking service, TheFork, will shut up shop in Australia at the end of March. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

The company said the coronavirus pandemic, which had forced hospitality businesses across the globe to shut their doors, had forced it to streamline its operations.

“Due to the significant impact the pandemic had on the global economy, particularly the hospitality industry, we therefore had to implement certain cost measures, which includes a reduction of TheFork’s geographical footprint.”

Until the company ceases local operations, its Australian customers will still be able to redeem loyalty points, branded as ‘Yums’.

However, TheFork’s gift card will still be valid for three years from the date of purchase.

The platform was originally established by entrepreneur Stevan Premutico. Picture: supplied.

The platform, which was founded in 2009 by Australian entrepreneur Stevan Premutico, was originally known as Dimmi.

In 2015, Dimmi was acquired by travel website giant Tripadvisor for approximately $25 million, and was later rebranded as TheFork to align with its European branding.

The business has operated in a crowded field with OpenTable, Yelp and Booktable among its competitors.

Originally published as Popular restaurant booking site TheFork mothballs Australian operations