Debby Soo

What an absolute whirlwind of a night celebrating Asian excellence at this year’s Gold Gala. There is a specific kind of energy that happens when this community comes together to claim our space, tell our stories, and, most importantly, share a table. @chrissyteigen , sharing the stage with you was a highlight—thank you for being such a phenomenal co-presenter (and dance partner!). Your wit and warmth made a massive room feel like an intimate dinner party. Getting to spend time with you and @johnlegend was truly a “pinch-me” moment. Food connects us, heals us, and reminds us of the impact of inviting others to our table… and I’m so proud @opentable could support the evening alongside Chef Justin of @anajakthaifood , who brought the heat in the best way possible. I might be biased, but our table was easily the place to be. @geniekwon and @timothyryanchi , thank you for joining us; your perspective and the community you’ve built at Kasama are constant inspirations to our team. Getting to share a meal and conversation with you both, alongside @mingna_wen , @chefmelissaking , @zachchoi , @cheflordmaynard , @mregina77 , @mannyjacinto , and @dianneldoan , was truly memorable. Beyond the bright lights and the big stage, it’s these unfiltered moments of joy and connection that I’ll carry with me. To @bingchen and the entire @goldhouseco team: thank you for another unforgettable evening and all you do to champion AAPI culture and talent. And lastly, I could never do any of this without my irreplaceable team, @weiweieatswell and Robin Chiang. Thank you both for constantly pushing me and @opentable to be the absolute best we can be.

At OpenTable, we talk a lot about how food connects us, but the most important table I’ve ever sat at is the one where I’m just “Mom.” As I look at this list, I’m reminded that motherhood is a million tiny, unpaid, and often invisible acts of love. It can feed your soul, but let’s be real, it can also bring you to your knees. To the moms who have spent years cutting the crusts off and checking under the bed: I see you. It’s hard, it’s beautiful, and it’s the most important work we’ll ever do. Happy Mother’s Day ❤️ @opentableau

Pure magic in SF last week as we kicked off OpenTable’s first ever US Ambassador Council! We brought together the full cohort – 20 chefs and industry pros from across the country – for a few days of connection, real talk, and (of course) incredible food. Huge thanks to this group for leaning in and sharing your invaluable perspectives and of course the OpenTable team for bringing this vision to life. Can’t wait to continue working together as we shape what’s next for restaurants at OpenTable.

Beyond grateful for the chance to support @sohn.sf at the first of their Many Hands series! To kick off Women’s History Month, we spent the evening celebrating a few of the incredible women shaping hospitality. Hearing from trailblazers like @kristenlkish (I’m OBSESSED with her!), @choibites (who’s personality, like her food, is packed with a punch), @susanbae (the world’s sweetest and most talented pastry chef), and @eunjoful (so talented and full of grace) was a masterclass in what it takes to lead with heart and vision. Their stories are a constant reminder of why we must keep elevating women’s voices at every table. Thank you @sohn.sf @janet_j_lee and @taaforg for hosting such a beautiful evening!

I had the opportunity to reflect on my journey to-date at @OpenTable for @Bloomberg ’s “A Walk With” series. In my early days here, it was the tough conversations with restaurateurs, the sobering look at our churn and our lagging reputation as slow to innovate that became the catalyst for our greatest period of growth and innovation. We made big changes – to our pricing, product and even our team – and took big swings like bringing in global partners. Above all, we reoriented our focus around a simple credo: when restaurants succeed, OpenTable succeeds. Today, amid increasing competition and a challenging landscape for operators, we remain in service to restaurants. Thank you to Brent Crane and Noah Throop for your storytelling. For the full story, see the link in my bio.

More than a month has passed, yet I’m still energized from our time in Houston for OpenTable’s 2026 sales conference. Having our global team in one room to align on the road ahead was the perfect way to kick off Q1. Taking the stage for my keynote, I found our “Back to the Future” theme particularly resonant. It was a chance to connect the dots—to see how the pivotal choices we’ve made over the last few years have not only propelled the business forward but created the meaningful momentum we’re feeling today. If there was one message I wanted the team to carry home, it’s that even as we accelerate, we must continue to lead with heart. True innovation isn’t just about growth metrics; it’s about ensuring every product we build and every goal we set remains deeply rooted in the needs of the hospitality community. A personal highlight was sitting down for a fireside chat with our founder, Chuck Templeton, and hearing from a panel of incredibly talented Texas restaurateurs. Their grit and passion are a constant reminder of why we do what we do. The energy in Houston made one thing very clear: we’re just getting started.

Oh, what a night at @time Women of the Year Leadership Forum and Gala. I had the privilege of being in the room with powerhouses who are this year’s honorees: @lucyliu , so lovely on the inside and out, honored for being a trailblazer and Hollywood icon - I will never forget the first time I saw her on TV when I was a teenager - she showed 13 year old me what was possible for an Asian American woman to achieve. @brandicarlile had the entire room swooning and weeping by the poignancy of her voice and lyrics. @chloezhao silenced the room with a homage to the world’s oldest tree, the unrelenting power of nature and the cycle of life and death - I got chills listening to her words. Earlier in the day, I had the chance to speak on a panel with amazing women leaders - @leslie_cafferty , @daratreseder , @reshmasaujani (congratulations Reshma!!!). As @julesborghini said at the end of the day, “my heart and cup are full.” I could not agree more.

Restaurants are an integral part of our communities, our economies and our society as a whole. I sat down with @debbysoo , CEO of @opentable where she shared some important insights on why restaurants are so important in the world as a whole. Catch the full conversation live now on #RestaurantInfluencers #opentable #restaurants #technology

We talk a lot about digital receipts at Cali BBQ Media. What are digital receipts? It’s the DM’s. The reposts. The unsolicited thank yous. It’s the ROI of storytelling. What an amazing conversation with @opentable CEO @debbysoo , discussing how her team helped her realize the value of humanizing the brand. Catch the full conversation live now on #RestaurantInfluencers. #opentable #restaurant technology

We took to Philadelphia to celebrate all the bright stars at @michelinguide Northeast. Congratulations to all the restaurants that were recognized! Huge shout to @acordell11 of @everrestaurant for winning the service award distinction. I was screaming so loud for her that I lost my voice. One of my favorite moments of the night, @coltrane215 , @philapans and @chef.chad.williams , all redefining and elevating the dining scene in Philly, sharing a moment and a drink together. Thank you to @philapans and Rachel for hosting many of us the night before at their newly opened @saophilly ; chefs from Philly, DC, NYC and Chicago were still raving about how good the food was - I personally have never eaten so many shrimp in one go. Congratulations to @honeysuckle_restaurant on your Michelin mention - we loved celebrating your re-opening with you back in April and this recognition is HUGE. Hats off to @friday.saturday.sunday on their first MICHELIN Star, as well as to @provenancephl and @herplacesupperclub on theirs; and to @pietramala_phl with the Green Star win. I’ll be up in Philly’s streets 24/7 if it means I get to celebrate with good people like all of you! Thank you to the OpenTable team for showing up and supporting our restaurants. I can’t tell you what it means to be surrounded by people who care as deeply as I do about our restaurants’ success.

London, you never disappoint. From our annual UK Hospitality Summit with 300+ restaurant partners to an incredible vegan house party with chef and OpenTable Advisory Board member, @gauthier7940 — so proud of how the OpenTable UK team is bringing our global strategy to life.

Congratulations @bobbystuckeyms on receiving the Julia Child Award! An incredible recognition of your dedication to hospitality and community. Such a joy celebrating this milestone with you — and thank you to the @juliachildfoundation for hosting a wonderful evening and to the @pressnapavalley team for an incredible meal.👏 Photos by: @rubinphotog