In a bid to transform how diners discover new eateries, Zest has launched a restaurant discovery app that leverages AI and real-world transaction data. Unlike traditional apps that rely on user-generated lists, Zest bases its recommendations on actual dining habits, offering a more personalized experience.
How Zest Works
Zest's unique approach involves linking users' credit cards to the app via Plaid, a financial services company. This integration allows Zest to import dining transactions, creating a personalized map of visited restaurants. By focusing on verified dining spend, Zest surfaces genuine favorites rather than just popular or high-end spots.
- AI and Data Integration: The app uses AI to analyze transaction data, learning user preferences over time to refine recommendations.
- Social Features: Users can follow friends or curated profiles for additional suggestions, enhancing the social aspect of dining exploration.
Funding and Growth
Founded in November 2024, Zest has secured $1.8 million in pre-seed funding from investors Alexis Ohanian at 776 and Steve Jang at Kindred Ventures. Since its public launch, the app has seen over 100,000 visits, indicating strong initial interest.
Competitive Edge
Zest differentiates itself by focusing on real-world data rather than user-generated content. This approach addresses the shortcomings of previous attempts like Blippy, which failed to build a network that improved user understanding over time. Zest's model is more aligned with successful data-sharing services like Venmo and Apple's Find My Friends.
Future Prospects
Zest plans to expand beyond restaurants, potentially curating other city hotspots. The app's upcoming features, such as "Fresh Picks," aim to keep users engaged by offering new dining suggestions similar to Spotify's Discovery Weekly.
"Our approach with Zest, by doing it via verified dining spend, we actually think that we surface more places that are actually interesting," explains co-founder Mario Gomez-Hall.
With its innovative use of AI and transaction data, Zest is poised to redefine how people explore dining options, offering a model that could extend to other areas of city life.
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