HEINEKEN USA and OpenTable Launch Designated Driver Reservation Program
HEINEKEN USA has introduced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with OpenTable that allows diners to nominate a designated driver (DD) while making a restaurant reservation. The initiative expands the company's There's No Such Thing As Fine to Drive campaign and is based on new research showing that 71% of Americans would be more likely to arrange a safe ride home if prompted during the booking process. By integrating the reminder into reservations, the partnership aims to encourage responsible planning while recognizing designated drivers—whom 58% of survey participants described as the "hero" of the evening.
"HEINEKEN has a longstanding global ambition to brew the joy of true togetherness, which means ensuring moments of connection are always enjoyed responsibly and removing barriers to moderation," said Anne de Graaf, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at HEINEKEN USA.
"By celebrating the designated driver, we're reinforcing that choosing not to drink doesn't mean missing out on the experience. Heineken 0.0 delivers the social connection without alcohol, and this partnership with OpenTable highlights that responsible choices deserve recognition from the moment a reservation is made."
Reece Jones, General Manager of OpenTable Media, added that the company is committed to creating meaningful connections between diners and restaurants. He noted that partnering with HEINEKEN USA through OpenTable's media solutions provides a unique opportunity to encourage responsible alcohol consumption directly within the reservation journey.
Key Survey Findings
The research also revealed several insights into consumer attitudes toward responsible drinking:
"HEINEKEN has a longstanding global ambition to brew the joy of true togetherness, which means ensuring moments of connection are always enjoyed responsibly and removing barriers to moderation," said Anne de Graaf, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at HEINEKEN USA.
"By celebrating the designated driver, we're reinforcing that choosing not to drink doesn't mean missing out on the experience. Heineken 0.0 delivers the social connection without alcohol, and this partnership with OpenTable highlights that responsible choices deserve recognition from the moment a reservation is made."
Reece Jones, General Manager of OpenTable Media, added that the company is committed to creating meaningful connections between diners and restaurants. He noted that partnering with HEINEKEN USA through OpenTable's media solutions provides a unique opportunity to encourage responsible alcohol consumption directly within the reservation journey.
Key Survey Findings
The research also revealed several insights into consumer attitudes toward responsible drinking:
- Inclusive Socializing: Nearly half (49%) of Americans said non-alcoholic beer helps them feel included during social occasions when they choose not to drink alcohol.
- Better Nights Out: About 82% reported they enjoy an evening out more when they have already arranged a safe ride home.
- Planning Gap: Despite recognizing its importance, 57% admitted they rarely consider organizing a designated driver or transportation when making restaurant or event reservations.
Pilot Program Launches in Houston
The partnership will debut this summer as a pilot program in Houston, Texas, a city where driving is a primary mode of transportation. Local survey results highlighted the need for the initiative, with 34% of Houston respondents saying they realized they were more intoxicated than expected only after getting behind the wheel. Additionally, 36% admitted they had driven after drinking because they believed they were the "most sober" person in their group.
Participating Restaurants
The pilot will operate every weekend from July 31 through October 4 at ten participating Houston restaurants:
The partnership will debut this summer as a pilot program in Houston, Texas, a city where driving is a primary mode of transportation. Local survey results highlighted the need for the initiative, with 34% of Houston respondents saying they realized they were more intoxicated than expected only after getting behind the wheel. Additionally, 36% admitted they had driven after drinking because they believed they were the "most sober" person in their group.
Participating Restaurants
The pilot will operate every weekend from July 31 through October 4 at ten participating Houston restaurants:
- Federal American Grill (Downtown)
- Federal American Grill (Shepherd)
- Federal American Grill (Katy)
- Federal American Grill (River Oaks)
- Goode Company Seafood Memorial
- Goode Company Seafood Westpark
- Good and Co. Kitchen & Cantina – Heights
- Morton's Houston Downtown
- Morton's Houston Galleria
- Truluck's – Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab – Houston
Rewards for Designated Drivers
Customers reserving a table through a dedicated OpenTable landing page can identify a designated driver during the booking process, making them eligible for special rewards.
Research found that 64% of respondents would be more willing to serve as the designated driver if restaurants covered the cost of non-alcoholic beverages. To encourage participation, HEINEKEN USA will provide complimentary Heineken 0.0 beverages for eligible designated drivers at participating Houston locations. The company is also partnering with SafeRides.org, a nonprofit organization that has provided more than 300,000 safe rides since 2003, to offer discounted rideshare vouchers for future outings.
Nationwide, 37% of survey participants said complimentary or discounted rideshare vouchers would make them less likely to drive after drinking. Through this collaboration, HEINEKEN USA aims to reward those who prioritize the safety of their friends and communities while making responsible choices more accessible.
Customers reserving a table through a dedicated OpenTable landing page can identify a designated driver during the booking process, making them eligible for special rewards.
Research found that 64% of respondents would be more willing to serve as the designated driver if restaurants covered the cost of non-alcoholic beverages. To encourage participation, HEINEKEN USA will provide complimentary Heineken 0.0 beverages for eligible designated drivers at participating Houston locations. The company is also partnering with SafeRides.org, a nonprofit organization that has provided more than 300,000 safe rides since 2003, to offer discounted rideshare vouchers for future outings.
Nationwide, 37% of survey participants said complimentary or discounted rideshare vouchers would make them less likely to drive after drinking. Through this collaboration, HEINEKEN USA aims to reward those who prioritize the safety of their friends and communities while making responsible choices more accessible.
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