Wing-N-It Owner Says Fired Employees are Posting Fake Reviews

Bad reviews on Yelp can sink a business, even a popular one with a good reputation. What’s especially troubling is that sometimes, the bad reviews are totally fake.

That’s what’s happening at Wing-N-It in Bristol, said owner Charles Frizado, and he isn’t taking it lying down.

Posting pictures of a clean kitchen on Facebook, Frizado said he had to fire two cooks for stealing from the business recently and in retaliation, they’re posting fake reviews on Yelp as well as recruiting their friends to follow suit.

“Trying not to step to their level of childish behavior, I felt it was right that I welcome everyone that comes to my restaurant to ask for me personally and I would be happy to show my kitchen off to anyone,” Frizado said. ”There is no serving of old meats or salmonella in my smoker. These reviews are because of an ex employee that is disgruntled because he was caught stealing and wants to see my business fail.”

Frizado said he has contacted Yelp about the reviews as well as the police.

“Can’t say it enough that I am sorry for the reviews out there all that have been placed since they were terminated,” he said.

A review of Yelp reviews shows the restaurant has had its struggles since opening up earlier this year. Numerous complaints early on focused on the service and what looked to be a new restaurant finding its footing.

But scores began to climb in the following months, with a typical mix of positive and negative reviews that virtually all restaurants experience.

In the most recent-string of one-star reviews, one reviewer identified as “John A.” in Bristol said employees weren’t getting paid and he saw three people quit at once for not being paid for many weeks.

On their Facebook page, one woman responded to the original post and repeated the allegation that employees have not been paid.

“The truth is you didn’t pay your employees and also have had checks bounce because of insufficient funds!” said Dianna Mancieri. “I know this for a fact. I also have a receipt from the bank from a check I deposited in my account for one of your ex employees!!!”