The History

WizButler is the first online reservation platform built on a fundamentally different way of thinking. Unlike traditional systems that rely on outdated lookup searches and two-dimensional Gantt chart allocations—methods largely unchanged since OpenTable introduced online reservations in 1998—WizButler redefines how bookings are created and managed.

WizButler represents the beginning of a true industry shift. Its impact can be compared to how Steve Jobs transformed mobile technology with the iPhone—challenging legacy players like Nokia and Motorola and setting a new global standard.

In the same way smartphones reshaped communication, WizButler is positioned to redefine restaurant booking and operations.

The technology behind WizButler is so distinct that it challenges conventional hospitality education. At its core is the Petroulas innovation: a three-dimensional volumetric framework that replaces outdated two-dimensional allocation systems. Rather than searching for available tables from a fixed pool, WizButler constructs a tailored solution for each booking request in real time.

This approach is built on managing space dynamically, not assigning static tables. By understanding and optimizing space itself, WizButler establishes a new foundation for restaurant technology—one that extends beyond reservations into all aspects of operations, efficiency, and guest experience.

Like Apple in 1997, WizButler embraces the mindset of the “crazy ones”—those willing to challenge norms and build what others cannot. The philosophy remains the same:

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers… the ones who see things differently… because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
– Apple, 1997

Peter Petroulas was ultimately driven to create WizButler after key industry conversations made one thing clear—existing platforms were not built to truly support restaurant operators.

In 2015, Peter engaged in discussions with Stevan Premutico, then Managing Director of TheFork Australia (now Founder & CEO of me&u). Peter sought assurances that booking platforms would not disadvantage certain restaurants through preferential treatment. At the time, his venues—including Prime Steak, Intermezzo, and Postales—were among the top-performing fine dining restaurants in Sydney CBD.

While no such assurances were provided, an offer was made: Peter could assist in improving TheFork’s system for a fee of $5,000—on the condition that he would design, develop, test, and help implement the improvements before payment.

Unsurprisingly, this proposal was declined.

Approximately six months later, Peter attended a private dinner hosted by Andrea Johnston, then SVP Global Sales at OpenTable (later Chief Operating Officer). During the event, Peter raised questions regarding future innovation in booking algorithms and operational improvements.

The response was clear: the existing systems were considered already optimal.

At that moment, it became evident that meaningful innovation would not come from within existing platforms.

Following these experiences, Peter made a decisive move—to build a system that could truly automate, digitize, and transform restaurant booking and management. WizButler was created to solve the challenges operators face every day, delivering a forward-thinking solution where others lacked the vision, expertise, or intent to evolve.