In the world of social media, influencers often hold the power to shape public perception and drive sales, especially for small businesses looking to make a mark. But what happens when an influencer, trusted by local businesses, fails to deliver? Recently, a well-known Denver influencer, recognized by the moniker “The Denver Foodie,” has found himself at the center of a controversy that has left small businesses questioning his credibility.
The Rise of “The Denver Foodie”
Johnny Davis, the man behind The Denver Foodie, built a significant following on Instagram and TikTok, with a combined audience of over half a million. His platform was designed to showcase local eateries, giving small businesses a much-needed boost in visibility through engaging, appetizing content. For many business owners, the opportunity to be featured on his platform seemed like a surefire way to attract new customers.
However, recent allegations have cast a shadow over Davis’s reputation. Several businesses claim that after paying him to be profiled on The Denver Foodie page, they never saw their content go live. This led to frustration, disappointment, and a growing online uproar as more small businesses shared similar stories.
Small Businesses Left in the Lurch
According to these business owners, Davis accepted payments—ranging from cash to Venmo transactions—with promises to produce videos showcasing their products. Yet, after months of waiting, many received neither their content nor a refund. Among the affected businesses are well-loved local spots like Mr. Tangs in Aurora, Chupacabra Paletas in Denver, and Metro Balderas, an Aztec food shop.
“We paid him, and he never showed up,” one business owner expressed. Another added, “He said it would be a seven-day turnaround. It’s been over a year, and still nothing.”
This isn’t just a case of missed deadlines. Many of these small businesses rely on every dollar to stay afloat. The disappointment was palpable as these businesses, already struggling in a competitive market, felt deceived by an influencer they had trusted to help them grow.
Johnny Davis Responds
After being confronted with these allegations, Johnny Davis agreed to an on-camera interview but later chose to speak over the phone. In his defense, he claimed he’s been overwhelmed by the workload of managing his social media presence while fulfilling obligations to businesses.
“I couldn’t get to where I am by doing people dirty,” Davis said, acknowledging that some deals had fallen through the cracks. “I take 100% full accountability,” he admitted, adding that he understands the frustration of business owners who didn’t get what they paid for.
Despite admitting to mistakes, Davis insists that he never intentionally sought to deceive anyone. Instead, he claims he became bogged down by the demands of running a large online presence on his own.
More Trouble on the Horizon: A Lawsuit Emerges
As if the accusations from small businesses weren’t enough, Davis is now also facing a lawsuit from the owners of the Instagram account I’m From Denver. The lawsuit alleges that Davis violated a non-compete clause after selling his social media pages to them. They accuse Davis of fraud, claiming that he continued to use the Denver Foodie name after the sale, which led to further complications.
Davis has since renamed his Denver Foodie account to What’s Up Denver 303, though he claims the name change is unrelated to the lawsuit or the recent allegations from businesses.
What’s Next for Johnny Davis and the Affected Businesses?
Davis has promised to “fix what’s broken” by going through all of his direct messages and reaching out to every business that has raised concerns. “I will contact every single business,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to resolving the situation.
However, this promise comes after months of inaction, leaving business owners skeptical. One owner summed up the feelings of many, saying, “It’s not fair for small businesses to go through this. How do you do that to somebody when you have so many followers, portraying yourself as this big shot?”
The future of Davis’s influencer career remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild. Small businesses, particularly in today’s challenging economic environment, can’t afford to lose money to failed deals, especially when their success often hinges on visibility and word-of-mouth.
The Broader Impact on Small Businesses and Influencer Culture
This situation highlights a broader issue within the influencer industry: the lack of accountability. While many influencers provide real value to brands, cases like this one can damage the reputation of the entire industry. For small businesses, investing in influencer marketing can be a gamble. Without the protections that come with more formal advertising contracts, these businesses are left vulnerable to situations where promises go unfulfilled.
In this case, business owners were left with nothing to show for their investment, calling into question the ethics of influencers who take on more deals than they can handle.
Influencer marketing continues to be a powerful tool for brands of all sizes, but the Denver Foodie saga serves as a cautionary tale. Small businesses must be diligent in vetting who they work with, ensuring that they’re partnering with individuals who not only have the audience but also the integrity to follow through on their promises.
Moving Forward
As this story unfolds, many questions remain. Will Johnny Davis make good on his promises and refund the businesses or deliver the content they paid for? Or will these small business owners be left out in the cold? One thing is for sure—this controversy serves as a lesson in the importance of trust and accountability, both for influencers and the businesses that depend on them.
In a world where social media reigns supreme, transparency and professionalism matter now more than ever. Influencers like The Denver Foodie can help small businesses thrive, but only if they live up to their end of the deal.
