Yelp Calls Restaurants For You

Yelp has introduced a new feature called 'Check for Me' that allows users to have a voice agent call a restaurant to check wait times. The feature will show up on restaurant pages in the Yelp app, where users can enter their party size and phone number to use the service.

The 'Check for Me' feature is part of a broader update to Yelp's services, which also includes an updated Yelp AI assistant with new features such as personalization and list-building capabilities. The AI assistant can now remember user preferences and allow users to access their chat history from the past 30 days.

Yelp is also releasing a new paid product called Smart Lead Reply to help businesses manage customer inquiries. The service will cost business owners $30 per month. Additionally, Yelp has integrated OpenTable into its app, allowing users to book restaurants without leaving the app.

## What's Changing The updates to Yelp's services are part of a trend of personal assistants enabling users to call businesses for customer support and appointment booking. Yelp's new features are designed to make it easier for users to discover and book restaurants, and for businesses to manage customer inquiries.

## Why it Matters The new features and updates from Yelp matter because they make it easier for users to find and book restaurants, and for businesses to manage customer inquiries. With the 'Check for Me' feature, users can save time and avoid waiting on the phone to check wait times. The updated AI assistant and new Smart Lead Reply product also provide businesses with more tools to manage customer inquiries and improve their customer service.

Yelp will start showing weekly personalized recommendations based on user saved items and rankings next month. This will provide users with more tailored suggestions for restaurants and services, and help businesses to reach their target audience more effectively.