Behind the Review

Host Emily Washcovick sits down with Yelp's Trend Expert, Tara Lewis, to explore the power of Yelp's trend data. Discover how Yelp identifies emerging trends and how businesses can leverage these insights to connect with their communities and enhance their offerings. From the rise of mushroom-infused beverages to the evolution of croissant trends, Tara shares fascinating stories and practical advi...

Former guest Shawn Walchef returns to discuss all things digital hospitality. From his BBQ business’s journey launching in 2008, and growing to a multi-location restaurant, to his experience creating and growing a media business. Learn his tricks of the trade when it comes to great storytelling, the importance of being digital-first, and the power of persistence. Learn how to overcome your fear of...

Millers All Day is an all-day brunch spot in Charleston, South Carolina, committed to eliminating toxic work culture in the restaurant industry. Owned by Nate Thurston, this popular destination is celebrated for its farm-to-table ingredients and iconic dishes like biscuits and grits. Yelp elite reviewer Dave B. shares how the restaurant's glowing reviews and authentic Charleston hospitality made h...

Emily sat down with Gary Kusin, a mentor, investor, entrepreneur, and author of "Always Learning." Gary shares his journey from co-founding GameStop to launching Laura Mercier Cosmetics and leading FedEx & Kinko's merger. Hear the lessons and strategies that helped him build global brands and turn around struggling businesses. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Gary's...

Immigrant Food is a celebrated restaurant brand known for its fusion of global flavors and advocacy. Co-founded by Téa Ivanovic, the restaurant is a platform for cultural celebration, where guests can enjoy diverse dishes while supporting immigrant causes. Hear from a local reviewer Jazzy L. on how Immigrant Food’s knowledgeable staff and vibrant atmosphere created a standout experience. Explore i...

Rally is more than just a place to play pickleball — it’s reshaping the way people connect and unwind. Founded by Barrett Worthington and Meg Charity, this dynamic venue has evolved into a lively social destination in Charlotte, North Carolina. With its vibrant courts, delicious food, and inclusive atmosphere, Rally offers an experience that goes beyond the game. Yelp reviewer Megan highlights how...

Host Emily Washcovick sits down with Barrett Worthington and Meg Charity to hear the inspiring journey of Rally - a Pickleball and craft cocktail club in North Carolina. This entrepreneurial duo discovered the joys of the game long before it became a trending sensation. And their business transformed the sport into a thriving connection point for fostering community. Hear the story from humble beg...

Maypop is a beloved coffee and garden shop in Missouri, celebrated for its unique blend of caffeine and greenery. The shop has evolved into a community hub where visitors can enjoy both a cup of coffee and a stroll through a lush nursery. Hear from a local reviewer Angela P. on how Maypop’s expert staff and tranquil atmosphere created the perfect birthday. Dig into insights on community building,...

Jonathan and Drew Scott, the renowned Property Brothers, share their entrepreneurial journey from childhood ventures to real estate, development, and ultimately TV! Their authenticity and innovative approach have shaped their success in home renovation and merchandising. Hear about their new show, "Don't Hate Your House," and their commitment to making homes healthier and more affordable. Tune in...

Emily Washcovick sits down with Kevin O'Connor, host of the Emmy-winning "This Old House." Kevin shares insights from his 20+ years of experience with real home improvement professionals on set. Kevin also provides tips on work-life balance, the power of saying no, and the importance of storytelling for small businesses. He also shares valuable advice on collaboration, growth, and navigating revie...

In ep. 13 of “Biz Bites," we explore Yelp's Business Resource Hubs, which celebrate diversity and support entrepreneurs of all identities. Discover how attributes like women-owned, Black-owned and LGBTQ+ owned can enhance your business's visibility. And hear highlights from various hubs including the business owner features. Yelp's Diversity Resource Hub Theme Music by Ali Schwartz and Meserole S...

In ep. 12 of “Biz Bites," we discuss strategies for maximizing the holiday season. Like engaging with customers through social media, creating excitement around holiday offerings, and promoting your hardworking staff. We also dig into how to effectively collaborate with other businesses, participate in local events, and capture more content for promotion you can use year round. Get advice and tips...

PopUp Bagels isn’t just serving up fresh bagels — it’s redefining the bagel experience. Founded by Adam Goldberg, this business has grown from a backyard project to a beloved sensation across multiple locations. Known for its innovative flavors, personalized customer interactions, and social media buzz, PopUp Bagels creates a community vibe with every order. Yelp reviewer Amanda also shares how th...

Host Emily Washcovick sits down with Adam Goldberg, the founder of PopUp Bagels. Discover how this at-home hobby turned into a nationwide sensation, complete with viral cream cheese schmears. Adam shares the origin story of the business and the shift that drove him to create a unique bagel experience that could scale. Turn in next week to continue the PopUp story, and hear from reviewer Amanda R....

R House Wynwood is an award-winning eatery in Miami, known for its fabulous brunches. Owners Rocco Carulli and Owen Bale share their journey from a casual fine dining restaurant to a local hotspot for drag performances. Hear from local reviewers, and Yelp Community team members, Diandra L and Farah A, on how R House balances top-notch food, exceptional service, and unforgettable entertainment. Lea...

Host Emily Washcovick sits down with Erin Wade, best-selling author, chef, and entrepreneur. Erin shares her journey from being an unhappy lawyer to opening Homeroom, a wildly popular mac & cheese restaurant in Oakland, CA. Hear the lessons Erin learned along the way, and specifically how she built a unique restaurant culture, as well as system for dealing with sexual harassment. Tune in for insig...

It takes a lot to start a small business, and often, individuals face many barriers along the way. We deep into a common barrier many entrepreneurs face when jumpstarting their small business: a lack of funds. Through interviewing three individuals who have successfully raised money to launch their businesses, we will answer the following questions: How can I raise money for my small business? Wha...

Host Emily Washcovick interviews Josh Reeves, CEO and Co-Founder of Gusto. They discuss Gusto's mission to simplify payroll, benefits, and HR management for small businesses. Josh shares his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of customer feedback, and how Gusto leverages technology to support over 300,000 small businesses. Whether you're a business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this epis...

In this episode hear from Tony Gemignani, the mastermind behind Tony’s Pizza Napoletana and several other pizza concepts. Tony shares his journey from a single pizzeria to an expansive empire, including fast-casual spots, and franchises. Discover how Tony maintains exceptional customer service across different concepts using strong systems, communication, and leadership. Reviewer Dominic B. provid...

In ep. 11 of the "Biz Bites" series, we dive into how services businesses can leverage Yelp to attract and convert leads. Discover impactful features to get your business found, from setting up your service area to selecting the right services offered. Learn tips for optimizing your Yelp profile, responding quickly to job requests, and converting a message or job request on any platform into a pay...

Host Emily Washcovick interviews Amy Jennette, the Integrated Marketing and Product Marketing lead at GoDaddy. Discover how GoDaddy empowers small businesses with digital marketing tools, AI-driven solutions, and SEO strategies. Learn practical tips on building your brand, creating a content calendar, and leveraging customer reviews to enhance your online presence. Whether you're a new entrepreneu...

In ep. 10 of the “Biz Bites'' series, learn from MICHELIN-starred restaurants on Yelp. Highlighting an article by Kristi Lindahl, Emily discusses how these top-tier restaurants utilize Yelp's free tools to boost visibility and attract customers. From high-quality photos and accurate business hours to leveraging amenities and responding to reviews, the episode offers actionable tips for any busines...

In this rerun of a season 2 favorite, hear how Ben and Jenny McAvoy created Insectek, a pest control business that puts communication and customer service at the forefront. Their efforts have curated life long customers like reviewer Rosie P. Insectek turned her stressful pest encounter into a seamless experience. You’ll also hear more from Ben and Jenny about the values that guide their hiring an...

In ep. 9 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we talk about online advertising and the options available with Yelp, as well as how to decide if your business should work with a marketing agency. We also cover the available solutions and benefits for marketing agencies that are interested in becoming a part of the Yelp Advertising Partner Program. More about the episode Theme Music by Ali Schwartz and Meser...

In this rerun of a Season 2 favorite, hear from owner Kim Malek on how she expanded her community based ice cream shop to be in markets across the country, all with a local feel. Miami reviewer Diandra shares how Salt & Straw made a splash in FL, and what local collaborations had her excited to visit the business. Also hear great advice for growing and managing a team of employees that reflect you...