Renowned food critic Opeyemi Famakin has expressed regret over the backlash he received following his 2023 review of Jazzy’s Burger, a restaurant owned by music executive Don Jazzy. Speaking on the With Chude podcast, Famakin admitted that the negative reactions to his critique deeply affected him, especially because of his admiration for Don Jazzy.
He clarified that his review was not intended to harm the business but to provide constructive feedback aimed at improving the quality of Jazzy’s Burger. Famakin revealed that his review highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement.
However, he felt his words were misinterpreted online, leading many to believe he was attacking Don Jazzy personally.
“I did not like my review of Don Jazzy’s business, Jazzy Burger. That was one of two reviews in my career that I felt really bad about.
Jazzy is a businessman and a very positive person minding his own business. I wasn’t being malicious; it was the internet that took it out of context,” Famakin said. Despite the public backlash, Famakin acknowledged that Don Jazzy was gracious and open to his suggestions, implementing significant changes based on the feedback.
Famakin praised Don Jazzy’s humility and willingness to adapt, noting that such openness is rare in the industry.
“The way it trended and the backlash made it feel like I was coming for this honest person who is an angel and helps people.
It felt like I was chasing clout, but I was doing it to help his business, and he listened. The specific things I asked him to work on, he did,” Famakin explained. He added that while others online may have offered only praise, his honest critique ultimately helped the business grow.
“Everyone else was being so nice about it. How would he have grown if people were lying to him? That one pained me because I love Don Jazzy, and he might have felt like I was trying to ruin his business. It pained me.”
