In December 2023, Yelp Elite reviewer Irene Eng posted a 795-word review of Hales Blackbrick in Tampa. The review was actually mixed — she called the food "well presented" and wrote "Probably will return" — but also criticized some dishes. Chef Richard Hales publicly responded calling it "abusive" and showing "arrogance and disrespect."
The lawsuit
After sending a cease-and-desist letter demanding Eng remove her posts, issue a public retraction, and delete "unauthorized photographs," Hales filed a complaint in Hillsborough County Court in November 2024, seeking damages in excess of $50,000 for "tortious interference."
The dismissal
In February 2025, Judge Christine A. Marlewski dismissed the case, ruling Hales failed to prove any of his claims. The judge noted Eng's reviews targeted "the public at large" rather than specific business relationships.
Yelp's response
Yelp added a pop-up consumer alert on Hales Blackbrick's page stating: "This business may have tried to abuse the legal system in an effort to stifle free speech."
"I'm 1,000% for freedom of speech — you can say whatever you want."
— Richard Hales (who had simultaneously sued over the review)
What this case reveals
The case illustrates the no-win situation restaurant owners face. Accept unfair reviews silently, or fight back legally and risk a consumer alert that's arguably worse than the original review. The system punishes both action and inaction — leaving business owners trapped between a bad review and Yelp's retaliation.