Yelp expands AI assistant with waitlist calling and weather-aware booking features
The platform’s new agent can call restaurants to check real-time wait times and join waitlists, while integrating OpenTable for broader reservation access.
Key points
- Yelp Assistant can now call restaurants to check wait times and text users updates within minutes.
- The tool integrates with OpenTable, expanding reservation access to thousands of US restaurants.
- New personalization features reference user history and local weather forecasts to tailor suggestions.
Yelp is expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities by introducing an agent that can call restaurants on behalf of users to check real-time wait times. According to CNET, the updated Yelp Assistant will text users with status updates within a few minutes, addressing the common frustration of calling venues directly. This release marks a significant step in the platform’s strategy to deepen its employment of agentic artificial intelligence across various service categories.
The new tool, named Check for Me, operates alongside existing features that allow users to book reservations and join digital waitlists before arriving at a location. Yelp Assistant now sends status updates regarding table availability after a user joins the line. This functionality aims to streamline the dining experience by handling communication tasks that typically require human effort, such as waiting on hold or repeatedly checking in with staff.
Context and Background
Yelp’s chief product officer, Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh, stated that this release transforms the platform with AI updates across every category. These updates range from booking restaurant tables to hiring professionals for home projects. The company launched an updated AI assistant just months ago that could already book reservations. This latest expansion builds on that foundation by adding more interactive and autonomous capabilities to the user experience.
The integration with OpenTable allows users to access thousands of restaurants across the United States. Users can ask the assistant for specific recommendations, such as dog-friendly coffee shops, and receive booking assistance directly through the interface. This partnership expands the scope of venues available for AI-mediated booking, moving beyond Yelp’s native partner network to include a wider selection of dining establishments.
Who is affected
The rise of personal and shopping assistants has created new challenges for both businesses and customers. According to CNET, businesses are contending with an influx of calls and emails from bots, while human customers must compete with AI agents to secure reservations. This dynamic highlights the growing tension between automated efficiency and the operational capacity of small business owners to handle increased digital communication volumes.
Yelp is also adding personalization features that reference past chats and user review history. For example, if a user recently searched for vegan restaurants, the assistant will proactively ask about interest in more vegan options. Additionally, the app can reference local weather forecasts during the reservation process. This prevents users from booking outdoor patio tables on nights when rain is expected, adding a layer of contextual awareness to the booking process.
A new feature called Keep Me Posted allows users to tailor reminders based on their personal schedules. Users can configure the assistant to send weekend date night ideas every Thursday or suggest dog-friendly hikes once a month. This personalization reflects the broader industry trend toward agentic AI, with competitors like Meta Muse, OpenAI Dots, and Google incorporating similar autonomous planning services into their platforms.
What should you do?
Users interested in these features should update their Yelp app to the latest version to access the new AI capabilities. It is advisable to review the privacy settings to understand how the assistant uses past chat history and review data for personalization. Users should also monitor their communication preferences to ensure they receive timely updates from the Check for Me feature.
What to do and how to stay safe: Yelp
- Update the Yelp application to the latest version to ensure access to the new AI assistant features.
- Review privacy and data usage settings to control how the assistant references past chats and review history.
- Configure notification preferences to manage how and when you receive waitlist updates and personalized suggestions.
- Verify that your contact information is current in the app to ensure you receive text updates from the calling agent.
Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Yelp assistant call restaurants for me?
Yes, the new Check for Me feature allows the assistant to call restaurants to check real-time wait times and text you updates.
Does the assistant integrate with other booking platforms?
Yes, Yelp Assistant now works with OpenTable, providing access to thousands of restaurants across the US for reservations.
How does the assistant use weather data?
The assistant references local weather forecasts to advise users, such as warning against booking outdoor tables when rain is predicted.
