By Linda Ong 

In the world of business, it's a proven fact that advertising, whether in the form of flyers, posters, or billboards, contribute to the publicity and success of a business. Denying this right would be of disadvantage to any new, growing or fully established business. Unfortunately for Donald Gibson, owner of Mr. G's BBQ Restaurant, this has been the case.

Located in Riverside's Jurupa Valley Spectrum off of Limonite Avenue, Mr. G's Restaurant had been attracting a lot of customers, having reached its one-year anniversary this past June. Despite being a business characterized by tasty food, friendly service, cleanliness, and professionalism, the up and coming restaurant has been hit hard by the landlord of the plaza's unexplained removal of Mr. G's large paint ad placed in April.

"We were doing so well," said Gibson. "Customers would pile in one after the other. It's the complete opposite now."

Mr. G’s BBQ

The lease that Gibson signed back in 2007 requires written permission for any type of advertising on or outside the store. However, Mr. G's has had many forms of advertising verified by verbal agreement, such as signs placed outside, on the grass.

Although Jurupa Valley Spectrum features a variety of different food restaurants and fast food chains filled with windows plastered with advertising posters, signs, and paint ads, only Mr. G's Restaurant was affected by the landlord's decision to remove the paint ad. Feeling singled-out as the only African American tenant in the plaza, Gibson felt that prejudice played an issue in the debacle.

"I didn't do anything wrong. I had the paint done professionally and in good taste. I always paid the rent. It just makes me feel like he (the property manager) is singling me out since I'm Black," commented Gibson.

The plaza's property manager felt offended and insulted and claimed that communication with Gibson is impossible.

According to the landlord, "The removal of the paint ad was done to avoid further confrontation. Promotional ads are not permanent, and are permitted on a temporary basis. I am trying my best to run the center professionally and to make it look beautiful."

Although there are other underlying substantial issues of conflict, like discrepancies about loud noise from Mr. G's air conditioning unit, previous steam cleaning disagreements, and a current lawsuit filed by Mr. G against his landlord, the thin line of communication that exists between Gibson and his property manager will hopefully be able to resolve their differences in the near future.

"I have contacted my property manager to ask what exactly I have done wrong," said Gibson. "From here on out, I just have been patient until I hear a reply." With the continued support of loyal customers and a positive attitude, Gibson will one day reach a consensus with his landlord to once again run a thriving restaurant to share his primary love of BBQ and Southern Food with the community.