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DoorDash Pilots Zesty, an AI Social App for Local Restaurant Discovery

The pilot tests an AI concierge that pulls from multiple platforms, raising questions about data partnerships.

Overview

  • The app is available to early users in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York as a limited pilot.
  • After signing in with a DoorDash account, users query an AI chatbot for tailored suggestions based on preferences and location.
  • Zesty functions as a social network for dining with saving and sharing, photos, comments, and the ability to follow other users.
  • Co-founder Andy Fang said the system aggregates information from DoorDash, Google Maps, TikTok and other sources to curate recommendations.
  • DoorDash shares rose nearly 1% after the announcement as observers flagged unresolved issues around licensed data access and potential merchant-facing APIs.