Viral 1-Star Tamale Review Revealed as Fictional

The Tamale Store in Phoenix created a humorous 'Rebecca O' review to reflect real experiences with first-time tamale customers.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A viral review about a customer named 'Rebecca O' leaving a one-star Google review for a tamale she described as tough and inedible, only to later praise it as 'the best thing I've ever tried' after learning she wasn't supposed to eat the corn husk, was revealed to be a fictional creation by the co-owner of The Tamale Store in Phoenix, Arizona. The review was meant as a playful nod to real-life situations the restaurant has encountered with first-time tamale customers who are unsure how to properly eat the traditional dish.

Why it matters

The viral 'Rebecca O' review highlights how a lighthearted, relatable story can unexpectedly capture the internet's attention, even when the central character is fictional. For The Tamale Store, the joke introduction to a global audience proved the power of a well-executed, humorous marketing strategy.

The details

Co-owner and chief marketing officer Pauline Alvarado of The Tamale Store created the fictional 'Rebecca O' reviewer as a nod to real interactions the Phoenix restaurant has had with first-time tamale customers who didn't realize the corn husk is meant to be removed before eating. Alvarado said the idea grew from a real incident where a guest returned to complain about a tamale, only for employees to discover she had bitten into the husk. Though Rebecca herself was made up, Alvarado noted that the experience she represents is very real, as the restaurant has encountered many customers over the years who are unsure how to approach the traditional dish.

  • The viral 'Rebecca O' review first appeared online in February 2026.

The players

The Tamale Store

A family-owned market and restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona.

Pauline Alvarado

The co-owner and chief marketing officer of The Tamale Store, who created the fictional 'Rebecca O' reviewer.

Rebecca O

A fictional customer created by Pauline Alvarado to represent real-life experiences The Tamale Store has had with first-time tamale customers.

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What they’re saying

“The idea grew from a real interaction at the shop, when a guest returned to complain about a tamale — only for employees to discover she had bitten into the husk. The misunderstanding, she explained, inspired the humorous 'review' format.”

— Pauline Alvarado, Co-owner and chief marketing officer, The Tamale Store (Newsweek)

The takeaway

The viral 'Rebecca O' tamale review demonstrates how a well-executed, humorous marketing strategy can unexpectedly capture the internet's attention, even when the central character is fictional. For The Tamale Store, the lighthearted story introduced the restaurant to a global audience and proved the power of relatable, entertaining content.