Joel Montaniel launched SevenRooms in 2011 to solve a specific problem. As an investment banker, he grew frustrated by the inefficient pen and paper booking systems used by restaurants. He built a platform that tracks guest preferences and dietary needs, eventually scaling the business across hotels and entertainment venues. By 2024, the company hit 50 million dollars in annual revenue, cementing its place on the Inc. 5000.
Everything changed when DoorDash entered the picture. While Montaniel initially considered a public offering, he opted for a 1.2 billion dollar acquisition by the delivery giant in 2025. The decision followed years of relationship building between the two companies. Montaniel emphasizes that the choice was not about short-term gains but about long-term vision. He found that DoorDash leadership focused on decades of growth rather than quarterly reports, making them an ideal partner for his team.
The acquisition provided life-changing outcomes for his employees. Because nearly every staff member held equity, the deal helped workers achieve personal milestones like purchasing homes years ahead of schedule. Montaniel notes that seeing the human impact of the sale changed his perspective on the value of his work.
Looking ahead, the combination of SevenRooms and DoorDash aims to consolidate fragmented restaurant technologies. Previously, establishments juggled separate systems for delivery, reservations, and retail sales. By unifying these functions under one platform, the combined company provides restaurants a clear path to scale their operations. Montaniel remains the CEO and continues to focus on improving how hospitality businesses reach their customers.
The most important lesson Montaniel shares from the acquisition process concerns decision-making. He received advice to stop prioritizing every stakeholder and instead be selfish. He learned that leaders must own their final decision because everyone else in the company follows the path the founder chooses. By picking the direction that made him happiest, he succeeded in setting the best course for the entire organization.