I own a restaurant that's been doing well the first 2 years, however I may have rubbed another preexisting restaurant that cater to the same specialties the wrong way. There are rumors that I'm using artificial creamers or dairies to thicken my broths. They are also saying that the only way our food taste so good is due to the heavy use of MSG. From day one we have not used anything but natural products to produce our broths.

I didn't pay too much attention to it in the beginning, but now I'm even hearing it from our loyal patrons that they are hearing this rumor through the grapevine and asking me if it's true! What can I do legally (probably nothing) or publicly to restore my restaurant's reputation? I haven't act on it so far but I'm sure I have to do something because my silence just fuel the negative rumors. Any suggestions??

Thanks in advance!

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Originally Posted by pjames

I own a restaurant that's been doing well the first 2 years, however I may have rubbed another preexisting restaurant that cater to the same specialties the wrong way. There are rumors that I'm using artificial creamers or dairies to thicken my broths. They are also saying that the only way our food taste so good is due to the heavy use of MSG. From day one we have not used anything but natural products to produce our broths.

I didn't pay too much attention to it in the beginning, but now I'm even hearing it from our loyal patrons that they are hearing this rumor through the grapevine and asking me if it's true! What can I do legally (probably nothing) or publicly to restore my restaurant's reputation? I haven't act on it so far but I'm sure I have to do something because my silence just fuel the negative rumors. Any suggestions???

Thanks in advance!

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I know the law as it relates to slander and libel is differnet for private citizens and public ones. In your case I'm not sure if you are public because you are a restaurant.

Hello p:

You don't know who to sue or what they did (although you know they did something). Unless you can find out (and prove) who said what, you don't have a case.

Put out a press release. Make a new menu highlighting your healthy aspects. Break down the actual ingredients and maybe even compute the calories. Do a byline on the chef and his training. Put it on the menu. Invite customers into your kitchen. Invite your local newspaper to do a review. Do a cooking segment on your local TV. Invite the Food Network to do a profile. Do some catering yourself. Advertise. Hire a publicist. Did I say advertise??

These are just a few ideas. I'm sure you can think of more. Counter the rumors with the truth, trumpeted loudly!

excon