Capital Region (WRGB) — Jackie Silvestri-Edwards, the owner of the popular Facebook group “518 Foodies,” has filed a defamation lawsuit against Frank and Alyssa Cappello, the owners of the Latham Italian restaurant “Taste of Italy.”
Silvestri-Edwards, who manages the social media page where users share reviews and experiences at local restaurants, said the lawsuit stems from a negative review of “Taste of Italy” posted by a customer. She claims the Cappelos launched a “personal and professional” attack on her and her business, making false claims that she went out of business and declared bankruptcy.
The lawsuit includes evidence such as phone calls, Facebook posts, and videos, including a recording of an alleged call from Alyssa Cappello to Silvestri-Edwards in which physical threats were made.
Lawsuit seeks to resolve financial and reputational harm to Jackie Silvestri-Edwards, claiming intentional and wanton spread of false information about her. Suing for defamation, Frank repeatedly made false and defamatory statements about Jackie and 518foodies.
Silvestri-Edwards is also suing for product disparagement, over the Cappellos alleged claims that 518foodies marketing services are a scam that target successful businesses intending to rip them off. She is suing for assault, based on an alleged phone call from Alyssa in which Silvestri-Edwards says she was threatened and “feared harmful and offensive contact.” She ultimately contacted police and an Order of protection was issued out of Berne Town Court until June 6, 2025.
The Cappelos have claimed they paid Silvestri-Edwards thousands of dollars for advertising. However, Silvestri-Edwards stated in her filing this week that she terminated their client relationship due to their failure to pay for services in a timely manner.
The Cappelos said they look forward to contesting what they describe as “baseless, meritless, and false” allegations.
