Amex exec details the future of Resy, including exclusive dining access and events for cardholders
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Foodies, rejoice.
Two years after Amex acquired Resy, the issuer is fully integrating the restaurant reservations platform as part of a new initiative called the Global Dining Access program.
If you like to eat -- and also hold a premium card such as The Platinum Card® from American Express -- you'll now receive special access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants.
That access includes primetime tables at many of the most in-demand restaurants across the U.S. and internationally.
There is a wide array of participating establishments, from Carbone in New York and Miami to restaurants of Mike Solomonov in Philadelphia (Zahav, Abe Fisher, Laser Wolf) and Jose Andres in Washington D.C. (Jaleo DC, Bazaar Meat, Zaytinya, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana) -- and many more.
Related: Amex Yurt Villages: An incredible dinner at Lilia in New York City
The program also will allow cardholders to book high-profile chef dinners, curated culinary experiences, virtual cooking classes and pre-sales of Resy events.
Those events -- created exclusively for Amex premium cardmembers such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express -- kick off this summer and fall.
Resy's General Manager and Amex VP, Alex Lee, told TPG that Resy is planning a large-scale, multi-day event in New York this September. Lee teased that the event "will be a pop-up restaurant in an incredible location."
More intimate events will occur in the Hamptons and Malibu, with a steady drumbeat of Global Dining Access events planned well into 2022.
Creating a self-service platform
Historically, card members booked restaurant reservations through the Amex Concierge. But that's shifting.
Resy is a concierge of sorts -- all in the palm of your hands. In addition to exclusive reservations, Global Dining Access perks include Priority Notify at all Resy's 9,000+ restaurants.
It's not just about premium cardholders
But it's not just about cardholders of the Centurion Card from American Express and The Platinum Card from American Express, either. Resy is creating a concierge-like service for all Amex cardholders.
Related: I had a 10-course meal in a car with Amex and Resy's new 'drive-thru' experience
Resy gives all Amex customers, regardless of the card, presale access to Resy events. And those with the American Express® Gold Card have had exclusive benefits and access to events such as the Resy Drive-Thru -- and those types of engagements will keep happening.
"We will continue to produce unique dining events [that] connect diners to Resy chefs and restaurants in a meaningful way, which is core to our brand and our mission," Lee added.
Bottom line
Resy is going all-in with Amex two years after being acquired, elevating the issuer's position in dining.
Chase is directly competing with Amex in this space with its Tock integration. Its Chase Dining program gives Ultimate Rewards-earning cardholders access to a unified platform with reservations, takeout, delivery and culinary events all in one place.
In 2021, Amex, Chase and others will continue to push to be a one-stop shop for travel, dining and lifestyle-like benefits -- especially as we emerge from the worst of the pandemic.