Futuristic foodies in New York City are utilizing AI technology to secure tables at popular restaurants without enduring long wait times. The Shortlist, a newly launched tool created by Manhattan residents Jenn Han and Josh Jung, uses data from Google Maps and Resy to provide users with day-of open tables based on neighborhood, number of seats, and type of ambiance desired. The tool offers recommendations for restaurants suitable for various occasions, such as holding conversations, romantic date nights, or even breakups. Han believes that the tool can help diners find exactly what they are looking for and get seated immediately.
Rachel Fong, a third founder of The Shortlist, supports the team on the product side from California. The tool also includes a list of smaller, local alternatives to popular restaurants like 4 Charles and Don Angie in an effort to support smaller businesses. Since its launch in August, the AI tool has gained thousands of email subscribers and received over 10,000 searches. While currently only available for Manhattan and Brooklyn, the creators are considering expanding to other cities in response to requests from users in various locations across the United States.
While some brunch-goers in Williamsburg expressed skepticism about the usefulness of the AI tool, others found it to be a welcome convenience in the New York City dining scene. Marcelle Wallace, 28, stated that she already has access to solutions like Google Maps, Resy, and OpenTable for finding open reservations. However, others appreciated the idea, noting the notoriously long wait times at some walk-in restaurants in the city and expressing a desire for a tool that could quickly secure a table at the last minute. Users like Aden, 23, and Veronica Bae, 29, voiced their support for the tool, citing it as a useful solution for avoiding lengthy waits at popular dining spots.
One supporter of The Shortlist, a student named Melody, 18, mentioned the challenges of booking tables using Resy due to high demand, indicating that the new AI tool could provide a much-needed solution for last-minute dining plans. With the tool already proving popular among New Yorkers seeking to bypass long waitlists and secure immediate reservations, its creators are optimistic about the potential for expansion to other cities. Despite some initial skepticism from certain residents, many others view The Shortlist as a valuable resource for finding available tables at top restaurants in New York City without the hassle of long wait times. As the tool continues to gain traction and expand its reach, it has the potential to revolutionize the dining experience for tech-savvy foodies in urban environments across the country.
