What kind of web presence exists for local restaurants?

There are a lot of online tools like UrbanSpoon and downloadable apps that allow users to search for and review local restaurants. Popular resource sites like Eat Local Grown seem to shun all processed foods and use pictures and articles to show why the fast food industry and non-organic foods are killing people.

Most of these sites provide a way to look for healthy alternatives, but it seems like the information is geared towards a specific audience who already have their own self-sustainable gardens and don't allow gluten in their households. Eat Local Grown also has a twitter presence, Find Local #Real Food, with almost 35,000 followers. Again, this account uses mainly scare tactics with posts like "15 Reasons Sugar is Killing You" and "Are GMOs Making You Sick?"

I think it's really interesting that there are tools to find local restaurants, but when it comes to providing information of why people should choose them is centered around how fast food is causing cancer. Often, websites suggested skipping eating out altogether and presenting the reader with two options: fast food or homemade meals. Very seldom did the writers include local restaurants as an alternative.

As for news articles and posts unafilliated with bloggers, a scene is always set with local restaurants struggling in the face of chain restaurants due to brand recognition and a feeling that big business inevitably wins over independent business owners. In this article by Restaurant Report, locals explain the typical reasons for chains taking away business. There is a general belief that chains have brand recognition, convenience, and the money it takes for effective marketing.

If I were to create a web presence for my topic, I would focus on the positives of eating at a local restaurant and include information on how it benefits the individual and the community as well as posts and reviews about local places my audience could try - not just equate fast food with cancer and diabetes. I might also consider adding information for local restaurant owners. With a consensus that chains have the upper hand it might be beneficial to provide business owners with a list of resources such as free web design sites, contact information for local advertisers, and tips on how to use social media in marketing.