@article{THESIS,
      recid = {11887},
      author = {Song, Zhixuan},
      title = {Shifts in Yelp Sentiments and Ratings After a Restaurant's  Michelin Star Announcement},
      publisher = {University of Chicago},
      school = {M.A.},
      address = {2024-06},
      number = {THESIS},
      abstract = {In the digital age, electronic word of mouth (eWOM) plays  a pivotal role in shaping consumer decisions, particularly  in the high-end dining sector where Michelin stars serve as  a hallmark of culinary excellence. This study investigates  the impact of Michelin star awards on consumer feedback on  Yelp, focusing on changes in sentiment and ratings across  multiple dimensions of the dining experience—food, service,  price, and ambiance. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the  research analyzes Yelp review data from restaurants in the  United States awarded Michelin stars, employing sentiment  analysis and statistical methods to assess the post-award  shifts in consumer feedback. The findings reveal that  Michelin stars do not uniformly affect all restaurants;  while higher-tier establishments generally experience  stable or improved ratings, one-star restaurants often see  a decline post-award. This study suggests that Michelin  stars significantly enhance sentiments towards service  quality and perceived value for money, particularly in  higher-starred restaurants. Conversely, sentiments related  to ambiance and food, although positive, show minimal  changes directly attributable to the Michelin recognition.  This study contributes to the understanding of the Michelin  effect within the digital landscape of consumer feedback,  highlighting the complex interplay between prestigious  accolades and eWOM. The research underscores the importance  of managing customer expectations in the aftermath of  receiving a Michelin star, particularly concerning pricing  and value perception. For future research, this study  suggests the need for longitudinal analyses to capture  long-term effects and recommends incorporating qualitative  methods to delve deeper into consumer motivations and  perceptions. The findings hold significant implications for  restaurateurs, who must navigate the heightened  expectations associated with Michelin recognition, and for  academics, pointing to the evolving dynamics of consumer  behavior in the realm of luxury dining.},
      url = {http://knowledge.uchicago.edu/record/11887},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.6082/uchicago.11887},
}