Google and Zagat Introduce Google+ Local

Last September, we reported that Zagat had been acquired by Google, and today, the popular restaurant guide and the massive Internet-based company have launched a new program that will help viewers find information on local dining spots.

An email sent to us indicates that "Google+ Local" was rolled out today, with the program allowing Google+ users to access user reviews, photos, maps and other information (including food, decor, and service scores) on restaurants from the Zagat site, with the info being free to anyone who is a member of Google+. In addition, reviews of restaurants from folks who are in users' circles on Google+ will be placed at the top, above reviews from people who are not in their circles.

To learn more about the new Google+ Local program, please go to the link below:

Local - Now With a Dash of Zagat and a Sprinkle of Google+

[Earlier Article]
Zagat Survery Has Been Acquired by Google


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Zagat Survery Has Been Acquired by Google

A popular restaurant guide that has been around for more than 30 years--and is known in part for its little maroon paperback books--has just been bought by one of the largest companies in the United States.

According to their website, Zagat Survey has been acquired by Google, a company that focuses on Internet search, cloud computing, and much more. While it is unknown what kinds of changes might come to Zagat, the article mentions that the people at the top of Zagat will remain involved with the business as co-Chairs and that time has been spent with Google senior management talking about their "mutual goals."

A Bloomberg article adds a bit more information to this story, stating that Google bought Zagat to add features that are geared toward local businesses as well as advertisers, with the Vice President of local, map, and location services at Google saying that Zagat will "be a cornerstone of our local offering--delighting people with their impressive array of reviews, ratings and insights, while enabling people everywhere to find extraordinary (and ordinary) experiences around the corner and around the world."

For more information on the acquisition of Zagat by Google, please go to the links below.

[Zagat]
ZAGAT GOT GOOGLED

[Bloomberg]
Google Buys Zagat to Bolster Local Services

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