Updated
Updated · Mirror Indy · Jun 26
ForkYes to Launch in July With 1,000-User Goal and New Dining Filters
Updated
Updated · Mirror Indy · Jun 26

ForkYes to Launch in July With 1,000-User Goal and New Dining Filters

2 articles · Updated · Mirror Indy · Jun 26

Summary

  • ForkYes, a swipe-based group dining app already in its second testing phase, will officially launch at the end of July with added filters for cuisine, dietary restrictions and dog-friendly patios.
  • 50 interviews with people ages 25 to 34 and 20 restaurant owners shaped the app after co-founder Lauren Malhoit found about a quarter of group chats in that age range never result in a meal out.
  • 150 users have downloaded the free iOS and Android app so far, and the founders aim to reach 1,000 users within three months of launch before trying to monetize it.
  • Google and Yelp data power the restaurant-matching tool, while the founders plan to make money later through restaurant subscriptions offering marketing data and customizable profiles rather than user fees or reviews.
  • Indianapolis-based Malhoit said the app is meant to help diners discover local restaurants and support them, including women- and minority-owned spots she began seeking out in 2022.

Insights

Can a bootstrapped app make restaurants pay for data it gets for free from giants like Google and Yelp?
Does gamifying dining choices with a swipe mechanic enhance social connection or simply streamline a decision?