John Legend launches It’s Good, a new food and travel review app

A well-lit Instagram photo, a captivating TikTok review, or a positive online review can go a long way toward boosting restaurant staff morale—and maybe getting your favorite hidden gems on the map. In fact, it has been proven that businesses with more positive reviews on Google rank higher in searches, are considered more trustworthy, and may even see an increase in revenue compared to their lower-ranked counterparts.

Constructive online feedback can be helpful (if it’s given thoughtfully, although it’s ideal to address it in person). But these days, the ecosystem of websites like Yelp often becomes a “dumpster fire,” according to many chefs.

In an attempt to change the tone of this week’s review. Voice star and singer John Legend entered the chat with a microphone drop announcement. It’s time for It’s Good, “an app that reinvents how we save and share our favorite places to eat and drink,” according to the tech startup’s Instagram bio.

Unlike other review platforms where it’s all too easy for people to chime in and offer a one-star review because the restaurant didn’t have their favorite brand of hot sauce or was closed on Sunday (even if the hours are clearly posted), it’s good to share recommendations about travel, food and experiences, rather than arguing about them.

“It’s not really even set up for negative comments. Either you recommend it or you don’t,” Legend said. Wall Street Magazine earlier this week.

Legend and his co-founder, tech entrepreneur Mike Rosenthal, came up with the idea about four years ago and then rolled out the concept of Zoom calls during the pandemic. Now that the news is out in the open, the team is keen to focus on growing its user base first. It’s Good will then shift its focus to looking at potential revenue streams, which could include partnerships with hotel brands or generating revenue from restaurant reservations booked through It’s Good.

“We’re looking at a real problem that hasn’t been solved since Yelp first launched, about 20 years ago,” Rosenthal said. People in color technology

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Rosenthal and Legend acknowledge that It’s Good is only as good as its reputation and reliability, so those working behind the scenes are trying to implement strategies that will help diversify the user population. The app is currently available by invitation only. But once it airs, you’ll see rave reviews from influencers, professional columnists, celebrities and other public figures (actors Jessica Alba and Minka Kelly and NBA player Harrison Barnes already have access) along with your personal social media connections.

“We believe that restaurant reviews from one trusted friend are more valuable than reviews from 10,000 strangers,” explained Shireen Niksadat, It’s Good’s head of community engagement, in an email to those on the waitlist. “Our mission is to be your place to save and share your favorite places to eat and drink. Trusted recommendations for you, from people you know or admire, all in one great place.”

The developers have removed star ratings. Instead, expect recommendations and favorites lists sorted by location or topic, as well as wishlists that users and brands want to visit.

“My friends always reach out to me for ‘my list’ of restaurants in cities I’ve visited,” Legend added on the app’s website, and now we can all follow in his – and our pal’s – wise footsteps. . Now if only we could sing like Legend…