Yelp rolls out AI agents to handle restaurant wait times

The feature functions by having users input their party size and contact information directly within the restaurant’s app page. Once the AI agent completes the call, the results are delivered via text message, allowing for a decision before the user leaves home. This development follows Yelp’s introduction of voice solutions for service providers last year, though the company acknowledges potential friction if two automated systems attempt to negotiate with one another.

Beyond wait times, Yelp is aggressively expanding its AI assistant’s capabilities. New integrations with OpenTable now allow for seamless booking, while the assistant has been upgraded to recall user preferences from previous interactions. Users can also set recurring reminders for weekend activities and organize saved businesses into custom lists, which will soon support map views and refined filtering by cuisine or location. For business owners, Yelp is introducing Smart Lead Reply, a $30-per-month tool designed to automate customer engagement and lead qualification, signaling a broader push to automate small business operations.