Your Restaurant’s Yelp Rating.

Think of your Yelp rating as your restaurant’s credit score — it's public, influential, and often a deciding factor for new customers. A strong rating builds trust before someone even walks through your door. The good news? You don’t have to be perfect — but you do have to be intentional.

Start by claiming your Yelp business profile if you haven’t already. This gives you control over photos, business hours, menus, and responses to reviews. An updated, complete profile tells customers you’re active, engaged, and paying attention.

Next, focus on consistent, excellent service. Most negative Yelp reviews aren’t about the food — they’re about long wait times, rude staff, or order mistakes. Train your team to go above and beyond during every interaction, especially for takeout and delivery, where personal touches matter more than ever.

Don't be afraid to ask happy customers for reviews. A simple nudge — either in person, via a follow-up text, or included in your delivery packaging — can go a long way. Most people don’t think to leave a review unless they had a bad experience. Encouraging your loyal guests to share the good balances the picture.

And yes, respond to reviews — especially the negative ones. A calm, thoughtful response can defuse frustration and show others that you care. Even a brief “Thank you for your feedback — we’re working on it” can help.

� Bonus tip: Deliver Local helps you improve the delivery experience with branded ordering, reliable fulfillment, and automated follow-ups — all of which contribute to happier customers and better reviews.

Your Yelp rating can make or break a first impression. With the right approach — and the right tools — you can take control of it.