When director of Time2Dine.co.nz, Michael Brandon heard it was nearly impossible to book a table online it was just the opportunity he was looking for.

Time2Dine.co.nz, Auckland's latest - and only - online restaurant booking service, launches next week with 'chefs' handing out business cards in Auckland's CBD.

For directors Michael and Diane Brandon it's the culmination of several years' research, development and innovation while holding down a full time job and family.

It all started when Michael Brandon saw a niche:

" I'd heard about difficulties people had booking tables online. There were flaws in the booking systems. Being an opportunist, I decided to use this to my advantage. I have now developed a system that takes the uncertainty out of the booking experience," says Michael.

Time2Dine provides visitors with photos, menus and wine lists from a wide range of restaurants. When a visitor books, the chosen restaurant receives an instant fax, email or text message. An email is then fired back to the visitor, confirming the booking details.

"The great thing about Time2Dine is that the system already has pre-confirmed seats. When the booking is made the seat is already waiting," says Michael.

A unique twist is the babysitting service. "It was an obvious extension - a big audience for restaurants is parents who want a special night out. Let's make it easier for them."

Time2Dine is linked up with the Auckland based babysitting and care assistant company, Domestic and Service Personnel. Once a babysitter is booked online, the babysitting service gets a fax or text message and then calls to confirm the details.

Time2Dine started out a DIY project. Michael had been looking for an opportunity for some time when he heard about successful table booking website 5pm.co.uk. Michael saw potential in this, and began to work with the concept:

"I looked at a number of other websites for inspiration. Every other website I came across was based on advertising or giving a product away for free."

This didn't make sense to Michael, so he decided to build a website which charged a reasonable fee to both diners and restaurateurs for the benefits they receive. (Note: No charge to diners from September 2002)

Michael began to teach himself how to build a website. Still working a full time job, he went on to develop Time2Dine, until the site was up and running with over 30 restaurants and an online babysitting service.

Along the way he's brought in professionals such as Underwired for search engine optimisation and online PR, Online Strategies (whose clients are now managed by Webenz) for graphic design, web developer Jericho for their SmartMail email software, and Simon Young Limited for written promotions. Hosting and payment systems are through Maxnet. (Note: Website now hosted by iSERVE since November 2002, and credit card payment systems are no longer needed).

Time2Dine is designed to make life easier for everybody; from busy mums through to business people and their Personal Assistants.

Michael has great expectations for the site and will continue to build the number of restaurants available:

"As there are over 2000 cafes and restaurants in the Auckland alone, my work is certainly cut out for me. However, in the future I hope to get restaurants onboard throughout New Zealand."

For further information click Michael Brandon
or contact: or Ph: 021 728889