DoorDash Bets on AI With New Restaurant Discovery App

Tired of reading dozens of reviews before picking a restaurant? DoorDash's new Zesty app might be the solution you've been craving. The food delivery giant just launched this AI-powered platform that promises to take the guesswork out of finding your next great meal.

How Zesty Works

At its core, Zesty is like having a food-savvy friend who knows all the best spots. Log in with your DoorDash account, and you'll find an AI chatbot ready to take your dining requests - no matter how specific. Want "a quiet corner for introverts in Williamsburg" or "a lively brunch spot for your rowdy friend group"? Just ask.

"We're curating suggestions from across the web," explains DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang. The app pulls data from multiple sources including DoorDash itself, Google Maps, and even TikTok trends. The more you use it, the better it gets at understanding your tastes.

More Than Just Recommendations

Zesty isn't just about finding restaurants - it's about sharing the experience:

• Save and share your favorite discoveries with friends
• Browse photos and reviews from other users' visits
• Follow fellow foodies to see where they're eating next

Think of it as Instagram meets Yelp, with an AI twist.

Limited Rollout for Now

The app is currently in testing mode, available only in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York. A DoorDash spokesperson told TechCrunch they're eager to get early user feedback on this new approach to restaurant discovery.

DoorDash Expands Beyond Delivery

Zesty represents DoorDash's latest push beyond its core delivery business. Earlier this year, the company introduced dine-in booking with rewards - now they're taking aim at how we decide where to eat in the first place.

While you could use ChatGPT or Google for restaurant suggestions, Zesty offers something different: a dedicated space where food discovery meets social sharing. Whether busy professionals or adventurous eaters will bite remains to be seen.

Key Points:

• AI-powered recommendations: Chatbot suggests restaurants based on your unique preferences
• Social features: Share finds and follow other users' dining adventures
• Currently testing: Only available in San Francisco and New York areas
• Business expansion: Part of DoorDash's strategy to move beyond food delivery