As Mario Gomez-Hall takes me through Zest Maps, the app’s automatic tracking feature seems almost too convenient. Dennis Crowley, a Foursquare co-founder, is testing its beta version, adding a touch of nostalgia.
The core function: your credit card swipes log every visit to a restaurant or cafe, with AI suggesting similar spots based on your dining history. But users must keep their cards linked carefully – Plaid ensures only food and drink data are accessed.
With a focus on younger adults in bustling city centres, Zest aims to offer personalized recommendations without competing with established giants like Google Maps and Yelp. Yet, the app’s social aspect might be its key: seeing where friends eat, beyond the blurred Instagram stories.
The novelty of GPS-powered apps has waned since Foursquare's heyday. Now, trust must reign supreme for Zest to revive social food recommendations in a privacy-conscious age.
