DoorDash’s Zesty App: An AI-Powered Social Feed for Finding Restaurants

DoorDash has launched a new social discovery app. It is called Zesty. The app uses AI to help users find local restaurants and bars. It is currently available in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York.

This move signals a major expansion for the delivery giant. DoorDash is moving beyond just delivering orders. The company is entering the social and local discovery space to help people decide where to eat.

How Zesty’s AI Chatbot Works for Personalized Food Discovery

The app centers around an AI chatbot. Users sign in with their DoorDash account. They can then ask the chatbot for specific, personalized recommendations.

Prompts can be very detailed. According to a company post, users can type requests like “a low-key dinner in Williamsburg that’s actually good for introverts.” Other suggested prompts include finding brunch spots for groups or romantic dinners with a vintage feel.

The AI aggregates information from many sources. DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang stated it pulls data from DoorDash, Google Maps, TikTok, and more. This is to curate the best suggestions from across the web.

The system learns user preferences over time. It figures out what a person likes and dislikes. Users can save interesting finds and share them with friends.

A Strategic Shift Beyond Food Delivery Services

Zesty represents a clear strategic shift. DoorDash is building a social network around local discovery. Users can view photos, share comments, and follow others just like on traditional social platforms.

A DoorDash spokesperson confirmed the pilot to TechCrunch. They said the company is “always looking for new ways to help people connect with the best of their communities.” The goal is to make discovering local spots easier through personalized search and social sharing.

Bloomberg first reported the news of the app’s launch. The launch follows other recent expansions by DoorDash. Earlier this year, the company added features for making in-person dining reservations and earning in-store rewards.

The app enters a crowded market. People often use Google, TikTok, or other AI chatbots for this purpose. Zesty’s success may depend on building an engaged community of food explorers.

The launch of Zesty marks DoorDash’s bold entry into AI-powered social discovery. This new AI-powered restaurant finder could change how people explore their cities, if it can build a dedicated user base.

Info at your fingertips

What exactly is the DoorDash Zesty app?

Zesty is a new social app from DoorDash. It uses an AI chatbot to give personalized restaurant and bar recommendations. It also lets users share and discover food spots socially.

Where is the Zesty app available right now?

The app is currently in a pilot phase. It is only available for download in two major U.S. markets. These are the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City.

Is the Zesty app free to use?

Yes, the Zesty app is free to download and use. It requires users to sign in with an existing DoorDash account. There is no announced subscription fee for the basic service.

How does Zesty’s AI get its recommendations?

The AI aggregates data from multiple sources. According to company statements, this includes DoorDash, Google Maps, and social platforms like TikTok. It curates suggestions from across the web.

Why is DoorDash launching a social discovery app?

DoorDash is expanding beyond its core delivery business. The company wants to be a platform for all parts of the local discovery journey. This includes the decision-making phase before an order is placed.