Google has decided to purchase a company that specializes in website design for restaurants. This company is none other than Appetas.
This website-design builder allows restaurants to custom create websites for their business needs with many integrated and nifty features. Some of these features include GrubHub and OpenTable.
GrubHub allows usersto order meals online and have the restaurant prepare them ahead of time. The food is then delivered to customers. OpenTable allows food lovers to book reservations online for restaurants.
These are just some of the features that made Appetas standout as a website builder for restaurants. It seems to have a heavy focus on mobile integration already, along with various online features, so it is no wonder Google took interest in the company.
Speculation is running rampant that Google wants to take Yelp head on in many services and features and this acquisition points in this direction. Those who use mobile versions of Google Maps, Google recently updated the app with features common in Yelp.
Now, Google also is showing that it is ready to take Yelp on with regard to local businesses and restaurants. Yelp specializes in such local and direct interaction its users have to their communities (through reviews and such) and Google wants in on the action.
Because of the acquisition, Appetas will shut down as a standalone entity. It will transport to something that may or may not be entirely different from its outset.
"To focus on our new endeavors, we'll be shutting down the Appetas service and working with our customers to transition their websites over to alternative platforms," Appetas co-founders wrote in a blog post. "We'll be reaching out to each customer individually to ensure a smooth transition."
We can expect Google to add location-based services and transform Appetas to something quite a bit different from its current role as a restaurant website builder. Who knows the former Appetas team may be working with Google Maps somehow related to integration in the near future. Or maybe Google will use it for a grocery service related to Google Shopping Express. The potential of search integration is great too. Who knows what will transpire from this acquisition, but knowing Google, it was worth the effort.
