Zagat

Zagat[edit | edit source]

Zagat is a well-known guide that provides ratings and reviews for restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, and other categories in numerous cities across the world. The guide was established in 1979 by Tim and Nina Zagat, who initially created it as a hobby to collect and compare their friends' restaurant reviews. The guide quickly gained popularity and became a trusted source of information for many people looking for the best places to eat, shop, or stay.

History[edit | edit source]

Tim Zagat and Nina Zagat founded Zagat in 1979 as a two-page typed list of New York City restaurant reviews. The couple initially distributed the guide among their friends. However, the popularity of the guide grew rapidly, and it soon became a widely recognized and respected source of information.

In 2011, Google acquired Zagat, intending to integrate the guide's content into its services. However, in 2018, Google sold Zagat to The Infatuation, a restaurant review website.

Rating System[edit | edit source]

Zagat's rating system is based on user surveys. The guide collects reviews and ratings from its users and averages them to provide an overall score for each establishment. The rating system covers food, decor, service, and cost. Each category is rated on a 30-point scale, with 30 being the highest possible score.

Influence[edit | edit source]

Zagat has had a significant influence on the restaurant industry. Its ratings and reviews have the power to boost the popularity of an establishment or, conversely, deter potential customers. The guide has also played a role in promoting transparency in the industry, as it provides consumers with detailed information about various establishments.

Criticism[edit | edit source]

Despite its popularity, Zagat has faced criticism. Some critics argue that the guide's rating system is too simplistic and does not provide a comprehensive evaluation of an establishment. Others claim that the guide is biased towards more expensive restaurants.