The owner and operator of a popular Mexican restaurant in La Mirada is suing a man who allegedly defamed him on Yelp by falsely claiming that the restaurant serves “horrible” food, that the management is “dry” and that the business is not affiliated with the Location of Angeles.
Former Pico Rivera Mayor Ron Beilke filed the lawsuit in Norwalk Superior Court on Tuesday against Jairo Castillo, alleging defamation, commercial contempt and interference with possible economic benefits and contractual relationships. Beilke is seeking at least $ 1 million in compensatory damages, in addition to unspecified punitive damages.
Castillo is a former employee of the town of La Mirada who resigned in September, according to the lawsuit. He could not be contacted immediately for comment.
La Mirada El Tepeyac restaurant opened on the Imperial Highway in 2019. Like the original location on Boyg Heights Evergreen Avenue since 1955, La Mirada El Tepeyac’s menu features large burritos, including Hollenbeck. and the 5-pound “Manuel’s Special.” “
The restaurant has a permanent challenge for guests to eat a “Manuel’s Special” in a single 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 messages such as “This place sucks, don’t even go there,” “The food is disgusting and cold,” and “Don’t waste it.” their time or money, ”according to demand.
Castillo also posted, “This place is horrible. The food is horrible. The management is outrageous,” the lawsuit says.
Castillo also said, “This site is a disgrace to claim that it is part of the original and use its logo when they are not connected,” according to the complaint.
The lawsuit alleges that Castillo knew the posts were fake and that he acted with “reckless disregard” over their content.