LUBBOCK, TX — A popular local private Facebook group is in the middle of growing controversy after a decision on administrative changes that have upset many group members and local business owners.
The Facebook group LBK Foodies has over 88,000 members and has long been a hub for Lubbockites to share local food and culinary experiences around the Hub City. However, the group's recent shake-up, now led by Tracy Cole, has sparked a lot of disappointment.
Wes Wicker, the owner of Big Wick’s Mesquite-Smoked Jalapeño Glaze, took to Facebook and shared that Cole had removed all other admins and moderators from the LBK Foodies group, leaving herself with full control.
Wicker was a big contributor to the group’s growth and expressed his disappointment in a post, saying there was no prior discussion or vote regarding the changes. He also noted that Cole had not been a founder of the group but had gained an admin role only after months of requesting it from the original creator, Dylan Moore.
"I do not know her motives for this but she is up to something," Wicker wrote, hinting at what many in the group allege is a monetization plan. "I was a big part of growing that group from day one to over 88,000 members over the last 4 years. I really have enjoyed being a part of the group, and the friendships made through it."
While the changes to the admin team have upset many people in the community, they have also led to a string of comments from frustrated members. Some users recalled being blocked or removed from the group in the past for unknown reasons.
One user commented, "She kicked me out 2 years ago for no reason. I really never even commented on that page—just followed it. Better without it." Another shared a similar comment: "I left the group a couple of years ago. Makes me even happier now that I did."
Many local business owners have also voiced their frustration, with some claiming that Cole has been unwilling to feature their businesses or has demanded special treatment from local establishments.
Sasha Smith commented and tagged Sean Harris, the owner of Sub-Zero Bites, saying, "I guess we weren’t the only business that she refused to include in her reviews."
Many active members have been clearly unhappy, with reports saying that over 1,000 people left the group within an hour of the admin changes being announced. Some members predict that the exodus will keep going, with more followers dropping off every hour.
"This group lost over 1000 members in an hour. Those were probably the most active ones," an upset member wrote. "I can't imagine what this will amount to by lunch. Then, by Friday. Tracy, I hope you realize you did this the ABSOLUTE wrong way. To monetize. That’s YOUR goal. Being greedy is going to make you lose everything."
Tracy Cole posted a statement on the LBK Foodies page to address the growing backlash.
"LBK Foodies is here to stay. The group will move forward to align with the vision set by the original creator. It is time to honor that direction. Moving forward, all admins and moderators will be held to the same expectations and Facebook Community standards as the group members. Thank you for your continued support."
Tracy Cole comment on admin changes to the popular LBK Foodies Facebook Group
However, the statement has done little to reassure group members. Many of the members continue to express their concerns about Cole’s intentions, questioning whether the group’s original mission of celebrating Lubbock’s food scene will be the same. Some have even accused Cole of using the group for personal gain, pointing to her "Gals that Brunch" initiative and claims of allegedly demanding discounts and special treatment from local businesses.
It’s unclear whether the community will get behind Cole’s vision for the group or if the fallout from these admin changes will be permanent. Some former members have even started new Facebook pages for people to join instead. What’s for sure, though, is that LBK Foodies, which used to be a go-to spot for local food lovers, is now dealing with a lot of uncertainty and division within the Lubbock food scene.
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