Every year, Zagat api surveys hundreds of thousands of restaurant-goers across America to see which establishments provide the best dining experience. The result is a comprehensive list of restaurants that includes everything from BBQ to Thai food and Italian fare.
This may sound like predigested data, but it’s also very helpful in helping people find the perfect restaurant for their budget, taste preferences, and location. Researchers have identified some myths about this industry.
Seven common myths about the Zagat Industry are:
1. Myth: People only use Zagat to identify restaurants
Truth: The stated purpose was to help people find food establishments and the survey results helped them identify restaurants. The survey results are also used to measure service, decor and atmosphere of restaurants, as well as wait staff performance and food quality. Restaurants that are a part of the Zagat Survey have been rated by people like you. Different people have different tastes and preferences, which is why we need to conduct extensive research before we rate a certain restaurant. Zagat is simply a tool and not the final word.
2. Myth: All users are from New York City
Truth: While there are people from all over the United States and other parts of the world that use Zagat, most of the users are from New York City, the Center for Eating Behaviors in New York Island. The city accounts for about a third of Zagat Survey respondents. There are members from all over America who have the freedom to rate and provide feedback on restaurants in their area. A member feels that a particular restaurant deserves some positive feedback, they can vote accordingly. We’ve seen many members come from various states and localities.
3. Myth: All users are Zagat employees
Truth: We don’t engage in insider trading practices and we do not hire “handlers” to rate restaurants. We solicit feedback from members as well as other trustworthy sources such as trusted food critics, celebrity chef’s, business professionals- you name it! Members have different techniques when they give ratings on restaurants. Some are high on the enthusiasm scale while others are very low on the enthusiasm scale. These differences will be reflected in their rating; this is what makes us unique and helps us identify trends in the industry.
4. Myth: Zagat is biased towards a particular location
Truth: Zagat is not biased towards any particular location. We rely on food critics, loyal customers, and consumers to rate the various food establishments. We do ask our members to state their geographical location when they submit their own reviews but we promise never to use it against them. However, we encourage the submission of honest reviews.
5. Myth: Zagat is owned by Google Maps
Truth: Zagat is not owned or affiliated with Google. Mr. Andrew Smith, the CEO of Zagat, founded the company in 1981 and is a well-known authority in the food industry. Zagat has more than a million reviewers who participate in this survey. These reviewers are passionate in identifying food specialists who provide great and satisfactory services. Zagat is an entity to be reckoned with because it has more than 40 years of experience in the food industry. Google Maps does not have any stake in the company. We are an independent company that has been around for many years, serving millions of users all over America.
6. Myth: Zagat is only used by fine-dining establishments
Truth: Although Zagat ratings are typically used in fine-dining restaurants, it is not limited to these locations only. Zagat is used in casual dining as well as fine-dining establishments. Casual dining restaurants are those that provide fast services, affordable meals and a relaxed atmosphere. Fine-dining restaurants, on the other hand, provide slow services and expensive meals with an exclusive ambiance. If a restaurant is well-known enough, the chances of us identifying it increases the chances that our users will identify it and give honest feedback about the place.
7. Myth: You can’t trust any rating a person gives you
Truth: It is always best to seek several sources when you are interested in a certain restaurant. Zagat’s ratings are based on reviews and it is important to take note that reviews can be biased or one sided. Users who provide ratings for restaurants are sometimes criticized for giving too high or too low of a rating because they were attracted to a certain location or food flavor, and therefore, provide biased feedback.
Conclusion:
Zagat is a useful tool to help people find the best food establishments all over the U.S. Just remember that when you rate a certain establishment, you are giving your honest review and are not limited to a particular location or food variety. Likewise, users should always remember that they have the freedom to rate what they want and we would never violate their private information.
About Zagat:
Zagat is an American company that provides insight on restaurants across America, from fine dining to casual dining, from breakfast and lunch items to dinner options and everything in between. The company has been around for many years and has gained a lot of popularity with its large user base and reliability as a source of restaurant ratings across America today.
