What changed
Zest, the restaurant discovery app that launched earlier this year, has introduced a new feature: a personal AI-powered 'restaurant concierge' that functions within text messages. This feature allows users to receive restaurant recommendations and book tables directly from their text conversations, similar to other AI agents like Instinct or Poke.
What this means in practice
The AI concierge, which Zest founder and CEO Mario Gomez-Hall describes as 'the product now,' enables users to text the Zest concierge at (212) 470-6067. It provides tailored restaurant suggestions based on users' credit card data, which is imported via Plaid, and their dining history. Users can also ask about restaurant availability, Wi-Fi, and menus, and the AI can check availability and make reservations through services like OpenTable, Resy, and SevenRooms. The feature can be integrated into group chats, where it can blend everyone's tastes to find a suitable restaurant and book a table without leaving the conversation.
Limitations and availability
The Zest concierge is currently available for testing, with booking capabilities added after initial testing. Users can ask for recommendations based on factors like cuisine, occasion, and dietary restrictions. While the AI worked fairly well in TechCrunch's tests, the feature is still in a testing phase and is expected to expand beyond restaurants to include recommendations for businesses, shopping, and more. The company plans to generate revenue through booking and ordering services, with food ordering coming in the future.
