The  smash burger has transformed from a simple cooking technique in a Kentucky restaurant to a worldwide phenomenon that’s changed how people think about hamburgers.  The first smash burger was created in the mid-20th century at Dairy Cheer restaurant in Kentucky , when an employee pressed down on a beef patty with a heavy bean tin, discovering that the increased contact with the griddle produced superior flavour. What started as a happy accident now defines modern burger cu

New York City has thousands of cafés scattered across its neighborhoods. The café culture here covers everything from quick caffeine fixes to cozy nooks where you can hang out for hours. The right café really depends on your mood and what you want from the experience. I've picked out three cafés that truly stand out for their coffee, vibe, and overall experience.  Each spot brings something unique, whether it's perfect coffee, comfy seating, or a genuinely welcoming feel. The

Online reviews shape where people eat, shop, and spend their money. Google reviews carry a lot of weight since they pop up right in search results and on  Google Maps . But let's be honest, not every five-star rave or angry one-star rant comes from someone who's actually been there. Fake Google reviews usually follow some familiar patterns: generic language, missing specifics, wild ratings with zero explanation, odd reviewer histories, and suspicious timing clusters. These re

Beckett’s Irish Bar is one of Budapest’s longest-running Irish pubs, but online it didn’t reflect that. Their Google listing was pointing people to social pages instead of a proper website — which meant Google had very little to crawl, understand, or rank. After launching a hospitality website built by AWOL’s Off Your Plate (OYP) , the bar started moving quickly up Googles rankings. Results after 21 days: Average Google position improved from #58 → #37 Website traffic increas

Most restaurants today lean on social media or third-party platforms to connect with customers. This approach leaves some big gaps in their digital presence. A dedicated website gives restaurants full control over their brand, information, and customer relationships while boosting visibility and driving more bookings and orders.  Without one, potential diners often struggle to find accurate details about menus, hours, or locations, and end up picking a competitor instead. A p

When someone searches for "restaurants near me," Google Maps decides in seconds which places to show. Many restaurants never show up, even if they're just around the corner from hungry people. This invisibility costs them orders, reservations, and walk-ins every day. Most restaurants struggle to appear on Google Maps because their Google Business Profile isn't properly verified, their business info is inconsistent across the web, or they're missing key local SEO signals Googl

Online reviews used to help people make smarter buying decisions. Now, they're so riddled with manipulation, fake content, and outright gaming that a lot of shoppers don't trust them at all. The old star rating system doesn't mean much anymore. Businesses, competitors, and bots flood review sites with manufactured feedback , drowning out real customer stories. Research says 85% of customers still rely on ratings and reviews  when they're deciding what to buy. But the star sys

Happy Holidays from AWOL

Winter in Liverpool brings a special kind of magic to this vibrant Merseyside city. The iconic waterfront and historic streets transform into a festive wonderland, buzzing with energy and anticipation. The city lights up with twinkling displays, Christmas markets, and seasonal celebrations. Visitors from all over the UK—and beyond—flock here for the atmosphere. The Iconic Liver Building Liverpool offers a winter experience that’s hard to beat. You get world-class attractions,

New York City has earned its reputation as one of the world's greatest food destinations, and burgers are no exception. From classic neighbourhood joints that have served the same recipes for decades to upscale restaurants putting gourmet twists on this American favourite, the city offers an incredible range of burger experiences. Which burger will reign king of New York? This guide takes you through ten exceptional burger spots across NYC, featuring everything from tradition

New York City turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays. It’s honestly hard to beat the Christmas vibe here—think Rockefeller Center’s legendary tree and cozy markets all over the city. Christmas in New York is truly magical The city's holiday attractions  include classics like the Radio City Rockettes, wild light displays in places like Dyker Heights, and festive fun from ice skating to big Broadway shows. Whether you want a romantic escape or a family adventure, th

Take a walk through the historical sites and pubs in ancient London

You've probably wondered if the glowing five-star review for that new restaurant down the street is genuine or if someone paid to write it. The short answer is troubling: fake restaurant reviews  are widespread, with research showing that up to 16% of restaurant reviews on major platforms are fraudulent.  This means roughly one in six reviews you read might be completely made up. Reivews online are costing customers $1000s each year The problem is bigger than most of us reali

AWOL is trying to level the playing field and help independent restaurants, battle big tech and manipulated algorithms

Current bar discovery systems face significant challenges from profit-driven design and rigid structure. These algorithms prioritise revenue generation over user experience whilst creating substantial barriers for smaller establishments to gain visibility. New bars and restaurants often struggle to achieve high rankings.

Fake Reviews Are Everywhere

Every once in a while, something happens that reminds you you’re onto something big. For us, that was getting featured in Yahoo Finance  this month. It’s a proud moment for our whole team — but more importantly, it shines a light on a growing movement: independent cafés, bars, and restaurants are taking back control  from fake reviews and pay-to-play platforms. Why Yahoo Finance Featured AWOL Verified reviews only – No bots, no spam, no ghost-written hype. Only people who act

October isn’t just costumes and candy. For cafés, bars, and restaurants, Halloween is a chance to turn your place into the go-to spot in town. But while everyone else is putting up plastic skeletons, you can take smarter steps that actually put bums on seats and money in the till. Here’s your checklist to dominate Halloween 2025. Why Focus on Halloween? Seasonal events make people actively search for “where to go.” If you’re not visible, you’re invisible. Limited-time menus a

Every hospitality owner dreads it: you open your phone, check your notifications, and there it is — a 1-star review . No explanation, no context, just digital doom. It’s frustrating, unfair, and it can feel personal. But here’s the twist: if you handle it right, that 1-star can actually help your business grow , not hurt it. We’ve even covered this in detail on our AWOL YouTube channel , so check out the video for a full breakdown after you read this. Why 1-Star Reviews Aren’

When you’re trying to change an industry as big and stubborn as hospitality tech, it’s not every day you get noticed. But last week, AWOL did. We’re proud (and a bit fired up) to be featured in Grit Daily’s latest article , “Punk Tech Takes On TripAdvisor: AWOL’s Algorithm Rebellion.” Even better — the story’s now live on Apple News , and we’ve got a key meeting lined up this Thursday  that could push this rebellion even further. This moment means more than just press — it’s