Yelp has been a hot topic around town lately, from negative reviews called out on OBON’s marquee, to Vero Amore’s “No Yelpers” announcement last week. These public critiques of Yelp and their army of restaurant reviewers have resulted in polarized reactions, from outspoken support to backlash from offended Yelp users.

Regardless of your personal opinion of the online review platform, it’s always a good thing when a local restaurant is given a big opportunity to grow.

Tucson’s Renee Kreager, owner of Renee’s Organic Oven, has been hand-selected as one of just 100 small business owners nationwide to participate in the first ever Yelp event Coast-To-Coast: Coming Together Because We Mean Business.

According to the official Yelp blog, Community Managers nominated local business owners who have used Yelp’s free tools to grow their businesses.

“This choice group of business owners doesn’t get hung up by 1 and 2 star reviews; they use feedback to make necessary changes. Social is very much a part of their marketing strategy, and that includes taking an active role in managing their reputation on Yelp and in the community.”

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Today and tomorrow, Kreager is being treated to an all-expenses paid trip to Yelp’s San Francisco headquarters for a two day seminar with Yelp leaders and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs from across the country.

I’m a fan of Yelp,” says Prep & Pastry owner Nathan Ares. “They’ve never done me dirty. Of course, you hear all these stories, but the truth is, Yelp played a huge role in Prep & Pastry’s rise in popularity. Both Renee and her restaurant are great – major congrats to her for being selected.”

Kreager has never advertised her restaurant on Yelp, but credits the free aspects of the online resource for generating new customers and maintaining her loyal base at Renee’s Organic Oven.

Two Phoenix restaurants were also honored with the free trip, Hotel Valley Ho and Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse.

For more information, visit reneesorganicoven.com.

Full disclosure: Renee’s Organic Oven is an advertiser on Tucson Foodie. (But we would have published this piece regardless.)