What Is Zesty
In a concentrate to broaden the fold of its food delivery service, DoorDash came up with a new standalone app named Zesty. The primary objective of this application is to help users discover their local eateries via personalized recommendations. It is a brave move by
DoorDash to venture into a discovery and social platform from its core food delivery business. Zesty is offering an open beta session in NYC and the San Francisco Bay Area. When users signed in with their DoorDash accounts and interacted with the app, they could be informed where to eat, drink or hang out based on their extremely detailed
How Does the App Work
Zesty does not entertain the conventional means of checking out the menu or going through the reviews. On the contrary, the users are allowed to feed in their demands such as “quiet dinner in Williamsburg good for introverts” or “brunch spots good for groups.” An AI assistant receives such prompts and then makes a list of places that fit in the intentions given.
Zesty also gathers data from various sources such as listings on DoorDash, Google Maps, TikTok, and other platforms, which it then uses to generate recommendations tailored to Mood, Vibe, and Occasion. This is not a mere search but rather a thoughtful suggestion based on the query, which is almost similar to that of a trusted friend or a concierge.
Social Features and Personalization
Social features are also included in Zesty. People can see and upload images of their food and places, write comments about places they have been to, save the most attractive recommendations, and follow users with whom they share tastes. The app adjusts personalization gradually as it learns the users’ preferences from their interactions over time.
Zesty’s social discovery revolves around personal experience, which is a paradigm shift from star ratings and generic lists. Zesty is a conversational option for users who are tired of endlessly scrolling through reviews and lists.
DoorDash’s Broader Strategy
This invention is reflecting DoorDash’s aspiration to go beyond delivery. In a previous move, features such as in-app reservations and in-store rewards were added by DoorDash to make the dining experience more engaging.
Zesty is one step further in that it affords a way to explore the local food culture before placing an order or visiting a restaurant.
DoorDash is planning a public beta phase to collect user feedback and refine the product. If the response to the app is positive, Zesty could become a new way for DoorDash to grow in the field of local commerce and social tech which are intertwined with people’s daily lives.
