Orlando-based Virtual Dining Concepts has taken legal action against YouTube celebrity Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast. This comes after MrBeast sued the company over a virtual burger restaurant last week.
Virtual Dining Concepts announced the lawsuit against MrBeast and Beast Investments on Monday. The fight centers around the MrBeast Burger virtual restaurant. Beast Investments had filed a lawsuit against Virtual Dining Concepts just a week prior.
MrBeast Burger, a virtual restaurant, started in 2020. It lets existing restaurants add different menus on delivery apps like Uber Eats. The concept has expanded to around 1,700 locations worldwide. Virtual Dining Concepts is behind MrBeast Burger and other brands. They filed their case in the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the County of New York. Screenshots of MrBeast’s June Twitter comments about the brand are part of the case.
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The lawsuit accuses MrBeast of using his online presence to sabotage the brand. It reads: “He decided to pressure them to sell MrBeast Burger by disparaging the Brand and Plaintiffs in damaging social media posts.”
The lawsuit estimates damages in the nine-figure range. Beast Investments responded with its lawsuit last week. They claim Virtual Dining Concepts harmed MrBeast’s brand. The suit cites negative reviews, including complaints about undercooked meat and unbranded packaging.
MrBeast’s lawsuit asserts that he, not Virtual Dining Concepts, suffered most from the criticisms. He argues that the business relies on his brand’s global value.
But Virtual Dining Concepts countered these claims. They noted that almost 70% of DoorDash and Uber Eats orders in 2022 received five-star ratings. They argue that complaints about MrBeast Burger are typical for any restaurant.
The lawsuit states that the brand’s customer reviews met or exceeded industry averages. It also emphasizes the brand’s success, noting the opening of a brick-and-mortar location in New Jersey last year.
Robert Earl, co-founder of Virtual Dining Concepts, praised the strength of the MrBeast Burger brand in a previous interview.
The legal battle brings to light the complex relationship between virtual restaurants, brand reputation, and celebrity endorsement. The outcome could set a precedent for similar disputes in the future.
This news is based on The Star.
