Which tire company created the famous restaurant rating guide?

The esteemed restaurant rating guide, known for its coveted stars, was indeed created by a tire company: Michelin. French brothers André and Édouard Michelin founded their tire company in 1889, at a time when automobiles were a rare sight in France. To boost the nascent automotive industry and, consequently, demand for their tires, they published the first Michelin Guide in 1900. This initial guide was a free booklet filled with practical information for motorists, including maps, instructions for tire repair, and lists of mechanics, hotels, and, of course, places to eat along popular routes. The idea was simple: encourage people to drive more, travel further, and in doing so, wear out their tires faster, leading to more sales for Michelin.

For two decades, the guide was distributed at no cost. However, André Michelin reportedly observed a copy being used to prop up a workbench, leading him to believe that people only truly respect what they pay for. This prompted the re-launch of a paid version in 1920. The focus on restaurants grew, and in 1926, the guide began awarding a single star to fine dining establishments. This system evolved, and by 1931, the now-iconic three-star rating was introduced, with specific criteria established by 1936.

Today, the Michelin Guide and its star system represent some of the highest honors in the culinary world, capable of transforming a restaurant's destiny. Anonymous inspectors meticulously evaluate restaurants based solely on the quality of the food, including ingredient mastery, flavor, cooking techniques, and consistency, not decor or service. A single star signifies a very good restaurant in its category, two stars indicate excellent cooking worth a detour, and three stars denote exceptional cuisine worthy of a special journey. The guide continues to be curated by the French tiremaker, a testament to its enduring legacy and unexpected origins.