DoorDash rolls out Zesty, an AI social app for discovering new restaurants

DoorDash is making a bold move by introducing Zesty, a new AI-driven social application aimed at helping users effortlessly discover local dining options. Initially rolled out in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area and New York City, Zesty represents DoorDash's expansion beyond its traditional food delivery model into the realms of social interaction and discovery. The app seeks to streamline the dining experience by eliminating the tedious process of sifting through countless reviews, menus, or social media posts when searching for a new eatery. Upon logging in with their DoorDash accounts, users can engage with an AI chatbot that delivers tailored restaurant recommendations based on their specific desires. For instance, users can input prompts like, "A cozy dinner in Williamsburg that’s perfect for introverts," to receive personalized suggestions. In addition to custom queries, Zesty offers a variety of suggested prompts, such as "Brunch spots suitable for groups" and "Romantic dinners with a vintage vibe." According to DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang, the app synthesizes information from multiple sources, including DoorDash, Google Maps, TikTok, and others, to present the finest options available online. Furthermore, Zesty adapts to individual preferences over time, learning what users enjoy and dislike. Users can also save their favorite recommendations and share them with friends, fostering a community of food enthusiasts. The platform allows users to upload and share photos and feedback on restaurants they've visited, as well as follow other users, mirroring the dynamics of popular social networks. A DoorDash spokesperson expressed their commitment to enhancing community connections, stating, "We’re piloting Zesty to simplify the process of discovering excellent nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and bars through personalized searches and social sharing. We look forward to gathering insights from our early testers as we refine the local discovery experience." The announcement of Zesty was first covered by Bloomberg. While some may hesitate to download a new app for restaurant discovery when alternatives like Google are readily available, Zesty could appeal to those eager to engage in a social platform dedicated to exploring culinary delights. This launch marks another step in DoorDash's strategy to diversify its services, following its introduction of features that enable in-person dining reservations and the accumulation of in-store rewards earlier this year.