The A, B, C’s Of…Restaurant Reviews? You Gotta Be Kidding Me! – by John Hendrie

No “Pass/Fail” here, no quantitative grades, no mere class survey.  We are talking hard and fast, brightly colored letters, which must be placed prominently in your restaurant, under the law, starting at the end of July.  The A,B,C’s represent a system to rate restaurant cleanliness, based upon Department inspections.  Move over Frank Bruni, for this alphabetical review can kill a restaurant faster than a speeding locomotive or your blithe pen.

Some 24,000 restaurants in the Big Apple will be subject to this controversial new system, and the city known for style and substance will have another unique niche.  The push for regulation and consumer trust is understandable, and, according to Dr. Thomas Farley, Commissioner, the public pressure exerted by the letter grades will ‘force restaurants to be diligent about good food-safety practices”. I have no problem with this goal, but what about the poor “B” and “C” restaurants.  Will you, the diner, take a chance, even if the violations were minor?  Those unrated restaurants might as well pack it in.

While the Health Department helps to transform the public’s appetite, restaurants have cried foul on another front – actually one which has been present for awhile – the existing departmental Web Site, which still reflects violations and older history, as well as the old numerical means to score an inspection.  And, here is the rub – the old numerical point system does not reflect new scoring parameters – the numbers do not jibe, throwing another lump into the sauce.

Well, the motive is good, the method will take awhile and the public will ultimately benefit.  Standards are helpful to elevate one’s game, as we strive for an improved Customer Experience.


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