In the world of sports, where rivalries often ignite fierce passions, a simple comment can ripple through the community, affecting more than just the players involved. This was the case for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles, whose playful jab at Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift unexpectedly turned into a social media storm. The fallout from his remarks not only stirred the fans but also impacted his family’s restaurant, King’s Grill, leading to a surge of negative online reviews. As the situation unfolds, C.J.’s parents share their perspective, revealing the resilience of their family and their new venture in Florida.
The Rise and Fall of King’s Grill
King’s Grill was a beloved restaurant in Rockledge, Florida, known for its tasty dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Owned by Delatron Johnson, the mother of NFL star C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the restaurant had a strong local following. However, following a comment made by C.J. about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, King’s Grill faced an unexpected wave of negative reviews. This sudden backlash shocked both the owners and their loyal customers.
The online criticism seemed to stem from fans upset with C.J.’s comment, which they interpreted as disrespectful. Many people rushed to leave one-star reviews, calling the restaurant horrible, which affected its reputation tremendously. Yelp even issued an ‘Unusual Activity Alert’ due to the influx of negative feedback, showcasing the power of social media and how quickly it can impact a small business.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Controversial Comment
After the Eagles’ impressive Super Bowl victory, C.J. Gardner-Johnson made a lighthearted jab at Travis Kelce, which sparked controversy. His comment about Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift was meant to be humorous but quickly drew the ire of Swift’s fans. This incident highlights how athletes’ words can resonate beyond the field, affecting their families and businesses in unexpected ways.
While C.J. likely intended to celebrate his team’s win, the fallout from his comment demonstrates the fine line public figures must walk. Even playful remarks can lead to significant backlash, as seen with the negative reviews flooding King’s Grill. This situation serves as a reminder that words matter, and they can have real-world consequences for loved ones and local businesses.
The Johnson Family’s Resilience
Despite the negative reviews and the closure of King’s Grill, C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s parents, Brian and Del, remain optimistic. They have transitioned to running a new restaurant called Village Bier Garten in Cocoa, Florida. Del has expressed confidence that they will thrive despite the online backlash, showcasing the family’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Delatron Johnson emphasized that the family is determined to succeed regardless of the negativity surrounding them. Their focus is now on their new venture, and they plan to celebrate C.J.’s achievements, including attending the Super Bowl parade. This positive mindset reflects their commitment to overcoming challenges and highlights the importance of support within the family.
The Impact of Social Media on Small Businesses
This incident illustrates the powerful role social media plays in shaping public opinion and affecting small businesses. A single comment from a celebrity can lead to a wave of negative reviews that can tarnish a restaurant’s reputation. In the case of King’s Grill, the sudden influx of negative feedback was overwhelming and led to Yelp disabling comments, showing how quickly things can spiral out of control.
For small business owners, managing their online presence is crucial. They must be prepared for the potential fallout from social media interactions, especially when connected to public figures. This situation serves as a lesson for many entrepreneurs about the importance of monitoring their online reputation and being proactive in addressing any negativity that arises on platforms like Yelp and Google.
The Support of the Community
In times of trouble, community support can be a lifeline for local businesses. While King’s Grill faced backlash, many loyal patrons and community members rallied to show their support for Delatron and her family. Positive reviews and encouraging messages from the community can help counteract the negativity, reminding business owners that they are not alone.
Community support is vital in helping small businesses recover from challenges. Customers who believe in a restaurant’s mission and its owners can play a significant role in restoring its reputation. This situation highlights the importance of fostering strong relationships within the community, as it often proves to be the best defense against external challenges.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Village Bier Garten
Following the closure of King’s Grill, the Johnson family is optimistic about their new restaurant, Village Bier Garten. They are excited to create a fresh dining experience that reflects their love for food and community. Del and Brian are committed to making Village Bier Garten a welcoming space for everyone, emphasizing quality service and delicious dishes.
As they embark on this new journey, the Johnsons are hopeful that their hard work will pay off. They plan to implement lessons learned from their previous experience to ensure success. By focusing on their customers and maintaining a positive atmosphere, Village Bier Garten aims to thrive in Cocoa, Florida, and become a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s mom’s restaurant receive negative reviews?
C.J. Gardner-Johnson made a joke about Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift, prompting fans to leave negative reviews on King’s Grill shortly after his comment.
What happened to King’s Grill after the negative reviews?
King’s Grill closed in late January, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s parents have since opened a new restaurant called Village Bier Garten in Cocoa, Florida.
How did C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s family respond to the backlash?
C.J.’s parents, Brian and Del, stated they are not worried about the negative reviews and believe they will be fine regardless of the online comments.
What is the new restaurant owned by C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s parents?
The new restaurant is called Village Bier Garten, located in Cocoa, Florida, after they closed King’s Grill.
Did the negative reviews affect King’s Grill on Yelp?
Yes, the influx of negative reviews triggered an ‘Unusual Activity Alert’ on their Yelp page, leading to disabled comments.
What did Delatron Johnson say about the situation?
Delatron Johnson expressed confidence about their future, saying, ‘We’re good’ despite the online backlash.
What are C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s parents planning to do soon?
They plan to attend the Super Bowl parade in Philadelphia and celebrate C.J. receiving a key to the city in Florida.
Summary
C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s mom’s restaurant, King’s Grill, faced a flood of negative reviews after a comment he made about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift following the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. Fans unhappy with the remark bombarded the restaurant’s Yelp page with one-star ratings. However, Delatron Johnson, C.J.’s mom, reassured everyone that they are unfazed by the backlash, revealing they have opened a new restaurant called Village Bier Garten in Cocoa, Florida. They plan to enjoy the Super Bowl parade and remain positive despite the online criticism.
