This VC used AI to try to snag a restaurant reservation. Resy wasn't having it
JC Bahr-de Stefano's attempt to use AI tool Instinct for a Resy reservation at 4 Charles Prime Rib led to account suspension.
A venture capitalist (VC) named JC Bahr-de Stefano attempted to secure a restaurant reservation at New York's sought-after 4 Charles Prime Rib using an AI agent called Instinct. Bahr-de Stefano, who manages a fintech-focused venture capital firm called Better Tomorrow Ventures, connected Instinct to his Resy account with the expectation that the AI could monitor and secure reservations more frequently than a human.
However, Instinct's frequent API requests—approximately 200 per hour—led to the temporary suspension of Bahr-de Stefano's Resy account. Resy's policy prohibits third-party bots or agents from independently accessing the platform, as unauthorized automated activity risks compromising a fair reservation experience for diners. Bahr-de Stefano was notified that his account had displayed behavior in violation of Resy's Terms of Service, as Instinct had been sending API requests every 10 minutes and rapidly checking for reservations near the time they were usually released.
In response, Bahr-de Stefano adjusted his approach with Instinct, setting parameters for the AI agent's actions and requesting a detailed plan before executing any task. Resy reinstated the VC's account following the explanation, but warned that a repeat offense could lead to a permanent closure of both the Resy account and the associated American Express credit card.
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