Blackbird, a New York-based restaurant loyalty app, recently celebrated its official launch in the Holy City. While some local restaurants first started using Blackbird last year, the app’s September kickoff included more than 30 local restaurants.
Blackbird founder Ben Leventhal said Blackbird, which is also available in New York City and San Francisco, will be available in 50 Charleston-area restaurants by the end of the year.
“I love Charleston,” Leventhal said. “This is one of the best gastronomic cities in the country, and I think it far exceeds its class in terms of size and number of restaurants.”
Leventhal knows a thing or two about the restaurant world. He is also the co-founder of booking platform Resy and pioneering digital media brand Eater.
Provided by: Leon
Through Blackbird, Leventhal said he wants to reward loyalty to local bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Diners earn points when they check in to participating restaurants and gain access to exclusive benefits such as last-minute tables, welcome drinks and off-menu items.
“We want to go anywhere in the world that has great restaurants,” Leventhal said of Blackbird. “And Charleston checked that box.”
So far, so good
“The response has been amazing,” Leventhal said of the Blackbirds’ first foray into Charleston. “We couldn’t be happier with how the app works and how it connects with people. We feel like Charleston gets that.”
Beautiful South and Kwei Fei owners David and Tina Heath-Schuttenberg have been using the app for several months.
