Why I write Yelp reviews

tldr: Because I value feedback.

I’m not proud of it, but I recently wrote a negative Yelp review for an Indian pizza joint I got takeout from. Here’s what happened:

• I ordered and paid online, but when my friend picked it up, they charged him again (they immediately rectified the situation when we called)
• I specified “mild spicy” but the pizzas were way spicier than I expected
• There was nothing special about the pizzas, and I couldn’t even taste the garlic flavor in the “Housefull Garlic Butter Chicken Pizza”

A part of me didn’t want to air my grievances in a public forum in the midst of a global pandemic that’s decimating the restaurant industry, but another part of me was like, “But people need to know!” And well, you know which part won out.

A few days later the restaurant sent me a private message on Yelp:

Hello Ted,
I am sorry the pizzas were made so spicy. I have had a talk with my staff about this issue. I am also sorry for them charging your friend. I assure you that was an honest accident, and will not happen in the future. I would love for you to give us another shot. I would love to offer you a free large pizza for your next order in hopes to make it right. Please let me know if you are interested.

Of course I responded and said yes, I’m interested.

It is funny how a gracious response like that made me realize how ungracious I was in my review. Nevertheless, I’m still glad I wrote it, if for nothing else than for the opportunity to engage with the restaurant again about my experience. Because I know in the end that if I were the restaurant owner, I’d want feedback from my customers. Maybe I’d prefer private instead of public feedback, but I recognize that’s not a realistic expectation.

I also don’t think feedback should just be reserved for restaurants. Yes, I value feedback on my restaurant and food choices, but I welcome feedback on my writing, events I organize, anything really. Not all feedback is created equal, though, so don’t take it personally if I don’t have a chance to respond to yours.

To summarize — I write Yelp reviews because I want to practice what I preach: be honest and direct, and perhaps people will respond in kind. (Also, be kind…still working on that one.)