Yelp is rolling out a feature called Check for Me on its mobile app. When you view a restaurant page, you can type in how many people are in your party and a phone number. The app’s AI voice agent then calls the restaurant, asks about the current wait, and sends the answer back to you by text. The idea is to save you a trip if the line is too long.
How the feature fits into Yelp’s broader AI push
The voice agent builds on Yelp’s earlier voice solution for businesses launched last year. At the same time, Yelp is upgrading its AI chatbot to remember past preferences, show a 30‑day chat history, and integrate with OpenTable for in‑app reservations. Later this year the company will add weekly personalized recommendations and a new list‑management UI.
Business side: paid AI tool for owners
Yelp also introduced a paid product named Smart Lead Reply. For $30 a month, small business owners can set up an AI to reply to customer messages and qualify leads. The move follows similar AI‑for‑SMB offerings from companies like Meta.
Why it matters
For diners, the new feature means you can find out how long a wait will be without calling yourself, potentially saving time and avoiding a crowded venue. For small restaurant owners, the paid Smart Lead Reply tool could help handle customer inquiries automatically, though the $30 monthly fee adds a cost to manage leads.
