# Yelp adds AI voice agent to check restaurant wait times

> Yelp's new 'Check for Me' feature lets users enter party size and phone number, then an AI calls the restaurant and texts back the wait time.

Oossa · 2026-10-20 · https://oossa.com/en/yelp-adds-ai-voice-agent-to-check-restaurant-wait-times

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.

## The facts

- Check for Me appears on restaurant pages in the Yelp app and asks users for party size and a phone number.
- The AI voice agent calls the restaurant, gathers the wait time, and texts the result to the user.
- Yelp’s Smart Lead Reply service costs $30 per month for businesses.
- Yelp’s chatbot now keeps a 30‑day chat history and will soon show weekly personalized recommendations.

## 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.

## Sources & references

1. [Yelp can now call on your behalf to check wait times at a restaurant](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/20/yelp-can-now-call-on-your-behalf-to-check-wait-times-at-a-restaurant/) – TechCrunch, 2026-10-20

Last updated: 2026-10-20