DoorDash announced on Thursday the launch of Ask DoorDash, an artificial intelligence chatbot that allows customers to order food and make reservations using photos and prompts. The new feature is launching in select markets for grocery shopping and food delivery, with plans to add reservations and additional U.S. cities in the coming weeks. The move comes as gig economy companies race to integrate AI into their apps amid rapid development of agentic tools that are changing how consumers use the internet and mobile devices.
DoorDash Launches Ask DoorDash Chatbot in Select Markets
The Ask DoorDash chatbot enables customers to use photos and text prompts to order food and book reservations. The company announced the feature on Thursday, with initial availability in select markets for grocery shopping and food delivery. DoorDash stated it plans to add reservations functionality and expand to additional U.S. cities in the coming weeks.
DoorDash launched AI-powered tools for merchants in May. The company is also investing in autonomous technology including delivery robots.
Uber and Instacart Roll Out Competing AI Features
DoorDash, Uber, and Instacart are rolling out new AI services in the gig economy sector. Earlier this year, Uber launched its own AI cart assistant that uses photos and prompts to build grocery lists. Late last year, Instacart introduced AI tools for grocers.
DoorDash Completes SevenRooms and Deliveroo Acquisitions
DoorDash is in the middle of a massive investment cycle involving the creation of a unified tech platform to house all its brands following acquisitions. The company completed a $1.2 billion deal for restaurant booking platform SevenRooms and a nearly $4 billion acquisition of Deliveroo.
Finance chief Ravi Inukonda told investors during last quarter's earnings call that DoorDash is making progress on the tech stack overhaul and plans to carry out most of the spending this year.
DoorDash Stock Down 33% Amid Investment Cycle
DoorDash stock is down 33% compared to the Nasdaq's roughly 8% gain. The downdraft started late last year when the company in November announced plans to spend "several hundred million dollars" on new products and technology in 2026, sending the stock to its worst day on record.
"We wish there was a way to grow a baby into an adult without investment, or to see the baby grow into an adult overnight," the company wrote in a release at the time. "But we do not believe this is how life or business works."
FAQ
What did DoorDash announce on Thursday?
DoorDash announced the launch of Ask DoorDash, an AI chatbot that allows customers to order food and make reservations using photos and prompts. The feature is launching in select markets for grocery shopping and food delivery, with plans to expand to additional U.S. cities in the coming weeks.
How much did DoorDash spend on recent acquisitions?
DoorDash completed a $1.2 billion acquisition of restaurant booking platform SevenRooms and a nearly $4 billion acquisition of Deliveroo. The company is creating a unified tech platform to house all its brands following these purchases.
