Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Cianfaglione
Hi Nick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! My journey into the event space and hospitality industry has been anything but traditional. I’ve always been passionate about entrepreneurship and finding ways to make experiences—whether social gatherings, business events, or celebrations—more accessible and seamless.
I started RestauRent after recognizing a massive gap in the market: while platforms like Airbnb made it easy to book accommodations, there wasn’t a dedicated, user-friendly way to book private event spaces—especially for non-professional event planners. Whether it was a birthday party, a corporate dinner, or a wedding rehearsal dinner, people were struggling to find the right venues efficiently.
Instead of relying on Yelp or endless Google searches, I wanted to build a platform that simplifies the booking process while ensuring people get access to trusted, high-quality venues. The idea was to create something as easy as OpenTable but for private events—a marketplace where venues and hosts could connect directly.
We launched RestauRent and quickly saw traction in Texas, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. The platform now has the most comprehensive database of restaurants and venues that offer private event spaces, and we’ve designed it to be as simple and intuitive as possible for users who just need a great venue without the hassle.
Now, RestauRent is growing rapidly, helping thousands of people book event spaces while also giving restaurants and venues an easier way to monetize their private dining options. I’m excited about what’s ahead as we expand into more cities and continue innovating how private events are booked.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—building RestauRent has come with its fair share of challenges. But I think that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.
One of the biggest hurdles early on was educating both venues and customers. Many restaurants and event spaces weren’t used to the idea of listing themselves on a platform like ours. Unlike hotels or Airbnb-style venues, restaurants didn’t always see themselves as “bookable” spaces for private events, even though they were already hosting them. We had to prove the value of an easy-to-use booking platform and show them how it could bring in more revenue.
On the customer side, our biggest challenge was making the platform as intuitive as possible. Most of our users aren’t professional event planners—they’re people booking birthday parties, networking events, or company outings. We had to make the process frictionless while also providing enough detail to make them feel confident in their booking decision.
Another major challenge was building trust in a market where people typically rely on word of mouth. Unlike other booking platforms, private events often involve bigger commitments—deposits, food & beverage minimums, and guest list coordination—so we had to ensure that both venues and customers felt secure using RestauRent.
Despite these challenges, we’ve managed to scale, expand into new markets, and gain momentum. The struggles have only made the wins more rewarding, and we’re constantly iterating to make RestauRent the best platform for private event bookings.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
RestauRent is the go-to platform for booking private event spaces at restaurants, breweries, bars, and unique venues. Think of us as the Airbnb for private events—we make it simple for everyday people to find and book the perfect venue for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, corporate gathering, rehearsal dinner, or networking event.
What We Do & What Sets Us Apart
We specialize in connecting people with private event spaces without the hassle of endless searching, cold calling, or waiting for venue responses. Unlike traditional event planning sites, RestauRent is built for non-professional event planners—people who don’t book venues every day but need a fast, easy, and trusted way to find the right space.
What makes us different?
✅ Largest curated database of private event spaces – We focus specifically on venues that offer private dining and event options, making it easier to find a space that fits your needs.
✅ Simple, user-friendly experience – No complicated RFPs or back-and-forth negotiations. Just search, browse, and book.
✅ Focus on restaurants & social dining spaces – Unlike other platforms that list generic event spaces, we specialize in venues where food, drinks, and atmosphere matter.
✅ We help venues grow their business – For restaurants and event spaces, we provide a powerful marketing and booking tool to attract more private event customers without paying commission fees.
Our goal is to make RestauRent the #1 event booking platform for casual group gatherings. Whether you’re planning a retirement party, a holiday dinner, or a company happy hour, we want to be the first place people turn to when they need a great venue.
For readers in Dallas and beyond, if you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect spot for a group event, RestauRent is here to make it easier. Check us out, and let’s make your next event effortless. 🚀
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Absolutely! If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to find the perfect spot for a birthday dinner, corporate event, or even a last-minute celebration, RestauRent is here to make that process effortless.
For venue owners and restaurant operators, private events are one of the most profitable and underutilized revenue streams. If your venue isn’t actively marketing its private event space, you’re leaving money on the table. RestauRent helps drive more bookings without the hassle of commission-based platforms or outdated inquiry forms.
Beyond that, I’d encourage anyone passionate about supporting local businesses to consider hosting their next event at an independent restaurant, brewery, or bar. These spaces are more than just venues—they’re the heartbeat of our communities, and by choosing them for your gatherings, you’re helping small businesses thrive.
If you’re in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, check out RestauRent.com and find the perfect venue for your next event. And if you own a venue and want more bookings, let’s talk—we’d love to help you grow!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Restaurent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookrestaurent/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-cianfaglione/
Image Credits
Left: Nick Cianfaglione
Right: Will Tondo
Photo Credit: BLKMRKT Studios
