The owner and operator of a popular Mexican restaurant in La Mirada is suing a man who allegedly defamed Yelp by falsely claiming that the restaurant serves “horrible” food, that the management is “crazy” and that the business is not affiliated with the original Los Location from Angeles.
Former Pico Rivera mayor Ron Beilke filed a lawsuit in Norwalk Superior Court on Tuesday against Jairo Castillo, accusing him of defamation, trade contempt and interference with potential economic advantage and contractual relations. Beilke is seeking at least $ 1 million in compensatory damages, plus unspecified punitive damages.
Castillo is a former employee of La Mirada who resigned in September, according to the lawsuit. He could not be reached for comment.
La Mirada El Tepeyac Restaurant opened on Imperial Highway in 2019. Like the original Evergreen Avenue location in Boyle Heights since 1955, the La Mirada El Tepeyac menu features large burritos, including Hollenbeck and a £ 5 Manuel’s Special. “
The restaurant has a permanent challenge for customers to eat a “Special Manuel” in one visit.
“Over the years, many have tried, but few have succeeded,” according to the cafe’s website.
According to the lawsuit, Castillo began a “calculated scheme to destroy” La Mirada’s location in September, with posts such as “This place sucks, don’t even go there,” “Food is disgusting and cold,” and “Don’t miss it.” your time or money, “according to the process.
Castillo also posted: “This place is horrible. The food is horrible. The management is crazy,” the lawsuit said.
Castillo also said: “This place is a shame for claiming to be part of the original and using their logo when they are not connected,” according to the complaint.
The lawsuit alleges that Castillo knew the posts were untrue and acted with “reckless disregard” over their content.