As much as we love the Grammys and Oscars at Yelp, our favorite award show this season is none other than the Yelpies!
Every year, Yelp communities around North America come together to honor the best and brightest Yelp Elites with an event like no other. If you’re a resident or frequent traveler to the southeast United States, get your friend request finger ready. Each of the below Yelpers took home enough accolades to make Adele blush!
MIAMI
Ryan F – Reviewer and Writer of the Year
Ryan joined the Elite Squad in 2016 but managed to take home two Yelpies for his accomplishments. Not only did he pen 251 reviews last year, but also had the highest character count! His reviews are known around the Magic City for being detailed, as he divides every review by categories including quality, value, service, and ambiance, to name a few. From hot and new restaurants, to tried and true businesses, you can count on Ryan’s reviews to paint the full picture. We can’t wait to see how many more Yelpies he racks up next year!
BROWARD PALM BEACH
Andy V – Reviewer of the Year
Andy is always the first person you spot at a Yelp event–not because he’s 6’6, but rather because of his huge ear-to-ear smile. He is always eager to chat someone up. His charisma and personality light up the room. That same pizzaz carries over into his review writing. On Yelp, Andy is a jack of all trades–or better yet, a reviewer of all places. From adult video stores to taco trucks, buffets to gyms, he’s reviewed it all–and he is never shy to give his reviews his own personal touch of wit and humor!
TAMPA BAY
Steve E – Best Reviewer
It’s hard to imagine Yelp Tampa Bay without Steve. Steve has been around since nearly the beginning, and has probably had to invest in a trophy case for all of the Yelpies he has scored over the years. In his first six months Yelping, he wrote 500 reviews alone! A Steve review covers every last detail, and then more some. Steve has been to nearly 50 Yelp Tampa Bay events and is always a welcoming and friendly face for other Yelpers–rookie or veteran!
ORLANDO
Michelle M C – Reviewer of the Year
She may have been a Yelp Elite newbie in 2016, but Michelle led the pack with more than 550 reviews and more than 5,000 pictures uploaded to Yelp in just one year! But don’t make the mistake of thinking she’s the type to hang out behind a computer. This chick is known around Orlando’s Elite Squad for hosting over-the-top UYEs (with fun party favors!) and even hosting an epic “Nifty at Fifty” birthday party for a fellow beloved Elite. You know the emoji with heart eyes? That’s what comes to mind when thinking about this local-loving lady!
JACKSONVILLE
Juliet H – Reviewer of the Year
When Juliet hit the Yelp scene in 2016, she made a name for herself by actively contributing reviews, photos, and an infectious attitude at Yelp Events. Anyone who knows her knows she can light up a room in a second. She’s been an asset to the Jax community as she truly embodies the Yelpy spirit. She supports local, continually shares her experiences on Yelp, and makes everyone around her feel like a million bucks. Juliet, you rock!
BIRMINGHAM
Gregory S – Yelper of the Year
Gregory and his wife are originally from Pennsylvania and work took them down to Tampa. He may have learned to Yelp in Tampa, but Birmingham is where he learned to be Elite! He has now been in Birmingham for a year and half and uses Yelp to find his way around. He has not only found his way through Yelp, but he has also helped guide other people around the city he now calls home.
ATLANTA
Daniel B – UYE Host of the Year
One of the most prolific yelpers of all time, with more than 2500 reviews and former ACRONYM member, Daniel is one of the pillars of the Yelp Atlanta community. He’s thrown more UYEs than most Yelpers have reviews. And speaking of his reviews, it’s hard to find anyone more detailed than him.
ATLANTA OTP
Tiff H – Reviewer of the Year
Tiff is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and truly exemplifies the qualities of an Elite Yelper. With 87 fans, Tiff is definitely an Elite that everyone looks to. Her smile is contagious and she is a friend to all. Dance is something special to Tiff, so when a dance event is on the calendar, she is the first one to RSVP. Elite since 2013 and going strong!
CHARLESTON
Tim K – Yelptime Achievement Award
Tim has become a personal friend to many members of the Yelp community. Not only in Charleston, but all over the world. He started out as an Elite member in Antwerp, BE. On a business trip to the US, he found himself in Charleston and reached out about attending a local event. Eventually, Tim found himself moving to Charleston and becoming a member of the Charleston Elite Squad. As he explores the country, Tim is always making new connections with other Community Managers and Yelpers coast to coast.
Congrats to all of the Yelpers mentioned above–you’ve truly been invaluable members of the community over the past year. And good luck to all of the aspiring Yelpers hoping to take home the gold next year!
About the Yelp Elite Squad: The Yelp Elite Squad is our way of recognizing people who are active in the Yelp community – people who are role models both on and off the site. Elite-worthiness is based on a number of things, including well-written reviews, high quality tips, a detailed personal profile, an active voting and complimenting record, and a history of playing well with others. Elites must use their real name on their account, have a real (and clear!) profile photo, and be of legal drinking age in their country. You can read more, and even nominate yourself at yelp.com/elite
