What is perhaps most interesting about this data is that Yelp ratings show a pretty clear preference for independent restaurants. Meaning that, on average, independent restaurants receive a higher rating compared to chain restaurants. At the same time, this spread seems to be widening. Here's data from 2012 to 2017:

This is maybe obvious; but it's worth reiterating. As city builders, it's good practice to encourage independent and small businesses. They are a competitive advantage. People, at least based on this Yelp data, seem to clearly like them more. So I guess Jane Jacobs was right: "The greatest asset a city can have is something that is different from every other place."

Charts: City Observatory

What is perhaps most interesting about this data is that Yelp ratings show a pretty clear preference for independent restaurants. Meaning that, on average, independent restaurants receive a higher rating compared to chain restaurants. At the same time, this spread seems to be widening. Here's data from 2012 to 2017:

This is maybe obvious; but it's worth reiterating. As city builders, it's good practice to encourage independent and small businesses. They are a competitive advantage. People, at least based on this Yelp data, seem to clearly like them more. So I guess Jane Jacobs was right: "The greatest asset a city can have is something that is different from every other place."

Charts: City Observatory

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