DoorDash rolls out Zesty, an AI social app for discovering new restaurants (techcrunch.com)

DoorDash has introduced a new AI-powered social app called Zesty, aimed at helping users discover local restaurants more efficiently. Initially available in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York, Zesty allows users to receive personalized restaurant recommendations through an AI chatbot, eliminating the hassle of sifting through multiple review sources and social media. Users can input specific prompts, such as preferences for “low-key dinners” or “brunch spots,” and the app aggregates information from DoorDash, Google Maps, TikTok, and other platforms to curate ideal suggestions. The significance of Zesty lies in its fresh take on food discovery, blending AI with social networking features. The app not only learns user preferences to enhance future recommendations but also allows users to share and view photos and comments, fostering a community around local dining experiences. This move illustrates DoorDash's effort to diversify beyond food delivery into a social and discovery space, resonating with users who value personalized recommendations in their dining choices. Additionally, this launch follows DoorDash's earlier efforts to offer in-person dining reservations and reward programs, signaling a broader strategic shift towards enhancing customer engagement in dining exploration.