> I'm also sure that a restaurant feels that recent reviews should be weighted heavily, almost exclusively, and that those two star reviews from last year should be ignored.
I agree 100% with that. It's very possible for a restaurant to get better or go downhill in a year.
If a restaurant has a rough opening but drastically improves after a few months, the early 1-star reviews can do some serious long-term damage even if they're a year old.
I agree -- recency is more important IMO. Particularly reflecting change in management, change in processes, etc.
For restaurants that aren't chains, processes may not be tried and tested -- first week jitters, hell, first month/quarter jitters should be accounted for.
I agree 100% with that. It's very possible for a restaurant to get better or go downhill in a year.
If a restaurant has a rough opening but drastically improves after a few months, the early 1-star reviews can do some serious long-term damage even if they're a year old.