John Legend's New Restaurant Review App Promises to Be Way More Positive Than Yelp

A well-lit Instagram photo, immersive TikTok walk-through, or positive online review can go a long way to boosting restaurant staff morale — and possibly getting your favorite hidden gems on the map. In fact, it’s proven that businesses with more positive Google reviews rank higher in search, are viewed as more credible, and may even see an increase in revenue compared to their lower-rated peers. 

Constructive online feedback can be helpful (when delivered thoughtfully, although ideally, this is best to address in person). But these days, the ecosystem of websites like Yelp, are often a “garbage fire,” according to many chefs. 

In an attempt to change the tenor of the review space, this week, The Voice star and singer John Legend has entered the chat with a mic drop announcement. It’s just about time for It’s Good, “an app reinventing how we save and share our most favorite places to eat and drink,” according to the tech startup’s Instagram bio.

Unlike on other review platforms where it’s all too easy for individuals to hop in and offer a one-star review because the restaurant didn’t have their favorite hot sauce brand or was closed on Sunday (even when the hours are clearly marked), It’s Good is all about sharing recommendations for travel, food, and experiences rather than objections about them. 

“It’s actually not even built for negative comments. Either you recommend it or you don’t,” Legend told The Wall Street Journal earlier this week.

Legend and his co-founder, tech entrepreneur Mike Rosenthal, dreamed up the idea about four years ago and then fleshed out the concept on Zoom calls during the pandemic. Now that the news is public, the team aims to focus on growing its user base first. Then, It’s Good will turn its attention to considering potential revenue streams, which may involve collaborations with hospitality brands or earning revenue for restaurant reservations booked through It’s Good.

“We are looking at a real-world problem that has not been solved since Yelp first started, which was 20-something years ago,” Rosenthal said to People in Color Tech.

Rosenthal and Legend admit that It’s Good is only as solid as its reputation and trustworthiness, so those working behind the scenes are trying to implement strategies that help diversify their user population. The app is currently invite-only. But once it goes live, you’ll spot raves from influencers, professional reviewers, celebrities, and other public figures (actors Jessica Alba and Minka Kelly, as well as NBA player Harrison Barnes already have access) alongside your personal social media connections.

“We believe that a restaurant rec from one trusted friend is more valuable than recs from 10,000 strangers,” Shirene Niksadat, head of community engagement for It’s Good, explained in an email to those on the waitlist. “Our mission is to be your go-to place for saving and sharing your most favorite places to eat and drink. Trustworthy recommendations for you, by you — from the people you know or admire, all in one beautiful space.”

The developers have nixed the star ratings. Instead, expect recommendations and lists of favorites sorted by location or theme and wishlists users and brands want to visit.

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