How we decide who's independent

Every listing passes the same checks. No one can pay to skip them, and no one can pay to rank higher.

Where listings come from

We bring together several sources of business information, refresh them every week, and add businesses that owners and visitors suggest.

The checks

1. No known brand. Every business is checked against thousands of chain and franchise brands, and the list keeps growing.
2. A way to reach them. Its own website, its Facebook or Instagram page, or a phone number. Directories, booking sites, delivery apps and lead-generation sites don't count: we send customers to the business, not to a middleman.
3. Small local groups, yes. Chains, no. If the same website, social page or phone number turns up at 10 or more places, or at a handful spread across the country, it's treated as a chain. A local group with a few places close together, like a family's three restaurants, counts as independent.
4. Open and real. Places that look closed or doubtful are left out, and websites are checked to be live.
5. People keep it honest. Anyone can report a listing. When several different people report the same chain, franchise or closure, it's hidden until reviewed.

What the labels mean

Listed

Passed the checks above. Not yet confirmed by the owner.

Owner confirmed

The owner proved they run the business (by email, their website or their Facebook or Instagram page) and declared it independent.

Verified independent

A person checked it against official records.

How results are ordered

Businesses in the town you searched come first. Then verified, owner-confirmed and listed, in that order. Within each, businesses whose name says what you searched for come first, then the nearest. That's it: no advertising, no paid placement, no reviews to game.

Where we get it wrong

Automatic checks miss things, especially small regional chains. If you spot one, use “Report” on its page. Missing an independent you love? Suggest it.