In a statement issued online and sent to members, TheFork has announced it will be discontinuing operations in Australia from 31 March 2024.
The statement revealed that TheFork’s local website and app will no longer be active from 31 March in Australia, but will remain fully operational until that date.
It also told account members that they have until 31 March to redeem their Yums points and any not used before the date will automatically expire.
TheFork will continue to operate in Europe, and any Australian members who want to use the platform overseas will have to make a new account to do so.
Vouchers issued by TheFork will still be able to be used 3 years from their purchase date in Australian restaurants.
TheFork stated the pandemic as the cause to its closure in the release.
“We understand that this decision may come as a surprise, and we want to assure you that this was not a choice made lightly,” the statement read.
“Due to the significant impact the pandemic had on the global economy, particularly the hospitality industry, we therefore had to implement certain cost measures, which includes a reduction of TheFork’s geographical footprint.”
Initially named as Dimmi and rebranded to TheFork in 2019, the platform has been a popular booking and reviews source for both venues and consumers across Europe and Australia.
It services 55,000 partner restaurants across the world with its website and phone app.
In the statement, TheFork also thanked both venues and members for their support across the last 15 years and encourages anyone with queries to visit the site’s FAQ page, or contact contact@thefork.com.au