In New York City, restaurants with high online ratings attract more customers, creating an uneven playing field. The perverse criteria, such as taste, vibe, and numerous other social constructs, perpetuate a troubling cycle that benefits the few while leaving many behind.
Our city thrives on diversity & inclusion, yet legacy restaurant rating systems (Yelp, Google, etc.) inadvertently promote exclusivity in our culinary landscape.
It’s high time for bold action aimed at leveling the playing field to ensure that every restaurant, regardless of its online rating, has a fair chance to succeed.
Redefining "Sanitary" Eating Environments
Since 2010, New York City has required restaurants to post letter grades that correspond to scores received from "sanitary inspections."
We need to rethink how the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene defines "sanitary" and ultimately determines letter grades imposed on restaurants. The current system, while well-intentioned, doesn't account for a host of factors.
Why not introduce new, dynamic categories beyond sanitary inspections? Let's include metrics for creativity, values, and the ability to conjure nostalgia.
Change begins with us. We’d not just enhance our city's dining scene; we’d strengthen our communities and pave the way for inclusive multiracial coalitions to lead me to victory in 2025.
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