Zest’s new AI agent finds restaurants and books reservations over text
techcrunch ·
Zest, a restaurant discovery app, has launched a new AI-powered concierge feature that operates directly within text messages. This personal agent allows users to find restaurants and book tables without leaving their messaging apps, integrating with services like OpenTable and Resy. The startup leverages credit card transaction data imported via Plaid to understand user preferences based on actual dining history rather than explicit queries. Users can interact with the bot individually or add it to group chats, where it aggregates tastes and facilitates voting to resolve indecision. The service accepts requests based on cuisine, dietary restrictions, location, and other specific criteria. Zest founder Mario Gomez-Hall describes the agent as the core product, emphasizing its ability to learn quickly from real-world data. The company aims to generate revenue through booking commissions and future food ordering features. This shift to conversational AI reflects a broader industry trend of moving away from standalone mobile applications.
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