How TikTok Food Critic Keith Lee Resuscitated a Struggling Restaurant

Keith Lee, a Las Vegas food critic, proved just how powerful his influence was when his review dramatically turned things around for a struggling family-owned restaurant. That single video changed everything for Frankenson’s in just 24 hours. Now lines to get food are around the corner. “I've helped restaurants in Vegas before,” Keith Lee told Inside Edition’s Andrea Swindall. “But I feel like this one was probably the craziest as far as the response we've had.”

[@loveheart2619]

This is the type of influencer I like to see making business restaurants grow. I’m happy the both of them.

[@promisen8460]

@frlla6 i mean most times he basically pays for whatever he eats But maybe tiktok is paying him for content

[@NRV0]

I really hope both influencer and business have a successful relationship moving forward!

[@540yeezy]

@@promisen8460 he’s definitely making less then what the restaurant owner been making cuz of him

[@billcosby3663]

i can confirm that food sure is delicious

[@lebronjamesharden3958]

hope he doesn't call out the name the restaurant if he tasted bad

[@symanthasteele]

My dads restaurant!!!! I’m so happy and grateful to Keith and all the customers!!!! We love you ! Thank you for making my dads dreams come true

[@hughjass5583]

That is not your dad…

[@symanthasteele]

@@sandlotkrew8778 Actually it is my Dad, I have no reason to lie and if you actually do some research you can actually see that I am his daughter

[@symanthasteele]

@@hughjass5583 That is my Dad, I have no reason to lie and you can even do some research and see ☺️

[@fascinatinglist9654]

@@sandlotkrew8778 take your negative energy somewhere else. Its not wanted here

[@chantelnatalya6433]

@@symanthasteele congratulations my dear, I hope your dad's business continues to do well 😊

[@BeAtPeaceAmongYourselves]

Being a food critic isn't even that easy, you need to gain trust in it, many viewers came because they trusted him of every word he says, if he says it's delicious then it's delicious.

[@AlainnCorcaigh]

but if his opinion is it's not nice then noone turns up based one man's word.

[@theuscivicsnerd7070]

Yeah and you also need to tell the audience what types of foods you don't like and which ones you respond well too.

[@reginamoura2239]

This is so dangerous. But y'all too st00pid to realize that.

[@Goreshitfan]

@@AlainnCorcaigh yeah that’s basically a food critic

[@Risingofthephoenixxx]

This is true he needs to collab with Gordon Ramsey lol

[@EricFortuneJr.]

This is literally the type of influencer the world can benefit from. He’s helping small businesses reach their potential and create jobs for people. This brother is wise, he saw a need in the food service industry and addressed it. Like he said, the food was of decent quality, but they weren’t marketing their products and probably didn’t have the budget for it. Now they have a better budget for marketing and hiring additional staff if needed.

[@gaylenewood7707]

At least with what he is eating ain't from that pickle girl at least he won't get food poisoning..

[@paperbagbrown1326]

"Decent quality." Word?

[@darkgoddesstantra9999]

Decent?😒

[@morbidangel2424]

This and the guy trying to sell his book as well

[@insert_username-xv3df]

The thing he said about the chicken wings 😭 “I made more chicken wings in 12hours then I did in the last 4months” man that’s just heartbreaking hope it does well from now on

[@candycanenee]

Now it will be about getting repeat customers. If the food is really that good and the customer service is phenomenal, they'll do well. Not as strong as it is with the hype but more than enough that they can get revenue to keep the restaurant going

[@hilenikullakapepo9338]

May he continue to sell more wings etc...what a blessing

[@coconutpuff4924]

@@hilenikullakapepo9338 Amen!

[@thy_4047]

When he said "This restaurant has been a dream of mine for 30 years", hit me so hard bro. I'm so happy for both of em and thank god there's positive outcomes from influencers.

[@prettypuffprincess]

Made me cry so hard 😢❤

[@Yesnog05]

When the owner said the restaurant was a dream of his for over 30 years, I cried a bit. I felt that. And I want to try this guys wings!

[@pissarro826]

I like you

[@cecegreen3831]

If anyone deserves "free food for life" it's this man. Congratulations to Frankensens and Keith as well👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@izelo3277]

No

[@Sara-xk1ns]

He always pays for every meal he reviews though and he doesn’t tell them who he is. He never expects free food for a review which is another reason he’s so charismatic. He is up front about it all. Always tells you the cost and what he paid.

[@mezziemezole4314]

RIGHT!! At least a years worth haha

[@G00NIE]

What about those without money or food. Do they deserve it?

[@David.124]

The same thing for the Popeyes chicken sandwich guy. No one even knew about it untill he said that it’s possible better than Chick-fil-A

[@therealcrustymusty]

That's amazing. You could see in his eyes that he ain't lying. Food must be *fantastic*

[@1nonlyJean]

You can check his videos he’s always telling the owners that he will judge the food even if it’s bad to make sure they improve as food critics or just won’t tell them that he’s a good reviewer

[@austerbutt3626]

He’s a genuine dude and I love his videos for that

[@maryperry6573]

Yeaaaaaah, shoot. I’m wanting to fly to Las Vegas for this food it looks so good

[@sumikosun]

Thought he s gonna cry 😭

[@FierceZs1]

Food is subjective to begin with, "HMM FOOD GOOOOOOOOOOD" "HMMMMMMMM FOOD BAAAAAAAAD". I AM FOOD CRITIC

[@MrTidx90]

Some of those Atlanta restaurants need to take notes😂

[@cobraofearth]

Makes me wonder if customers will stay loyal after the hype dies. I hope so, because he is a very kind man

[@AccidentallyOnPurpose]

if the food really is good I'm sure they will

[@BobbySlackem-fd1uh]

With the way this man is selling chicken he can retire in a year

[@mse9609]

As long as the food is delicious, they'll keep coming.

[@magicworld3242]

Why do people like you always look for the negative ? Nothing stays at the top forever. He put this restaurant on the map. That's the point.

[@cobraofearth]

@@magicworld3242 That's a good question. I don't know... I said that 8 months ago, and I don't even remember this video so I really can't say lol. Probably just sick of the feel good hype train stuff that is on social media that doesn't amount to anything in real life and is just done for clicks and then everybody moves on. If you ask me, people don't think deep enough about things, but hoping that the customers keep coming to his business doesn't seem negative to me

[@noisyboy1994]

For all those influencers out there, take notes of what this guy does for humanity.... he made a man's dream come true, can't say the same about most influencers

[@macafe7160]

For real. I felt so happy for the owner when he choked up talking about how this was his dream for 30yrs. He literally was drowning and this one clip changed the trajectory of his entire life. He said he made wings in 8hrs then he did in 4 months, plus he gained 71,000 new Followers in less than 24hrs and I bet it's way more than that now. This is how u influence the right way.

[@TheJrakeEffect]

Like Logan Paul 😂

[@soso-mx8nb]

Yes he contributed something positive to society. A lot of influencers and streamers just want to be rewarded for filming themselves existing or reacting to videos.

[@steaklessbeef4856]

@@TheJrakeEffect isn't Logan Paul the man who recorded a japanese man hanging for clout, scammed his fans out of $1,000,000+, and abused his pig to the verge of death?

[@TheJrakeEffect]

@@steaklessbeef4856 yep lol smh

[@caronstout354]

Proof positive that supporting local restaurants works!

[@HelloSeptmember]

Local businesses 👍🏾

[@SAINTxSZN]

@@HelloSeptmember only the good ones though

[@Roadrunner0077]

True

[@OrangeHeadTM]

No, it doesnt.

[@kwyatt261]

Support anything that isn't a global corporation

[@deejones8552]

This guy blew up and deserves it.

[@waxmax0]

His PR team does

[@Luchini.]

@@waxmax0I don’t think he has one

[@MindsetCCG]

He was a professional mma fighter under Bellator, quit that to do TikTok food Reviews

[@riyakar6806]

@@MindsetCCG What an absolute Chad!

[@slushyking7549]

he blew up what a tragedy

[@ladisanindya]

And he’s sitting on a kids’s chair So humble! He’s probably a family man Good luck for your career Keith

[@fr0stb1ght34]

Yeah, he's married with 2 kids i think.

[@zazamikey420]

3:11 i teared up at this part 🥺 congrats on Keith for bringing more awareness to a small business turned into a huge business! May you continue to have success in the future!

[@theultimatemaker9153]

Now this is what you would call “an influencer” folks.

[@green29373]

Yea no set urself on fire challenge

[@CHAINSMELLY]

Completely changed the owners life I bet he’s so happy right now

[@fireflymiesumae]

Yep

[@TheAngelOfDeath000]

Indeed ❤

[@ronicarenee5885]

Keith’s smile when the owner was embracing and shaking him is everything ❤

[@northernsoutherngirl]

I follow Keith on Instagram & saw this story. But what initially drew me to his page was the fact the he cooks REALLY great homemade dishes. BUT he's also an MMA fighter! His family is gorgeous & I wish them nothing but the best!❤❤

[@vinceee_r]

What is his IG?

[@fulltimeweeb]

Now that is what I call an influencer! He's making a big difference in the world

[@ryangillum115]

How? By reviewing restaurants?

[@vastadmist2258]

By influencing the mass, to support the restaurant. He's doing what influencers should be doing.

[@ryangillum115]

Yeah that's changing the world. Stupidest thing I've ever heard.

[@sensora9646]

@@ryangillum115 yeah basically, way better than other narcissistic influencers

[@Ms.NoNo2]

@@vastadmist2258 he’s doing what influencers have been doing for years.

[@greedo7206]

Good for frank always warms my heart seeing people achieve their dreams

[@macafe7160]

Yup. That part!!!

[@sarahbrown5622]

The Fact He Was An MMA Fighter To Being A Food Influencer Is Absolutely Amazing 🥰♥️. Proud Of You Keith, Keep It Up!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@KadeemLiburd]

His brother is Kevin Lee former UFC fighter

[@Slumkat]

A lot of these small places could use a lot of help. That’s good that you helped that restaurant. Good things will come for all who help each other

[@ladynikkie]

Always support small businesses

[@downeyd88]

Good to see someone influencing for the real reasons and not just clout chasing. Mad respect to Keith, i really want to try that pizza now!

[@JohnSmith-cc3ud]

This is the comment i was looking for

[@beastybear4499]

Or scammers like Logan Paul/Ice Possi

[@staceywilliams1863]

And the wings too! Next time I’m in Vegas!

[@battlerudee]

@@beastybear4499 How is he scamming??

[@beastybear4499]

@@battlerudee scammin

[@Ericachild]

I love how at the end of the video he's sitting on a paw patrol chair. So humble. Cheers to him and the restaurant owner!

[@Atmos_Glitch]

This the type of food eating content I approve of! No grossly gorging on excessive mounds of fat and oils with little to no substance in actual entertainment but critiquing good food with worthwhile and valuable information for the the viewers while also potentially helping out the restaurants they eat from! This is what a true influencer is! Not some hollow carbon copy. I hope he'll be able to continue doing his reviews the way he wants to and also helping out many restaurants while he's at it!

[@Vizr]

What a beautiful story! Seeing the owner crying tears of joy is just so heartwarming. Props to the influencer for creating a beautiful moment in time ❤️

[@invhincible2211]

This guy deserves a big thank you

[@macafe7160]

For Real Tho. He literally saved that man from drowning and losing his dream of 30yrs. All for free and all he did was be himself and the owner had no idea who he was but look what kinda difference we can make.

[@hilenikullakapepo9338]

I teared up the moment the restaurant owner cried...Oh Keith. Those tears will bring you abundant blessings, brother. Keep up the good work 🙏❤❤

[@PorchiaP.]

This is the perfect time to recirculate this. So many people get caught up in the hype and forget the core of what someone is about. Love this family.💖🤗

[@tomagunchi8816]

Keith has done more for struggling family owned businesses and small start-up restaurants than most creators with bigger backing and production budget. Truly a kind and genuine individual.

[@poundtrader1414]

Now let's make this Keith Lee full time job, no need for him to do anything else, he has help others now let's help him.

[@Amr_D]

no

[@Alloehell102]

Nah

[@mrwhiteboy1350]

Not helping a 🐒

[@4kdanny385]

Nah

[@itadministration7978]

yea

[@TappaTop]

Been following Keith for awhile now and not because of his review on food but because he's an MMA fighter. It's good to see him get some shine.

[@macafe7160]

Really? I love MMA but I never heard of Keith. But he's so small and I woulda never guessed that he's a fighter, even tho I know they have fly weight too

[@TappaTop]

@@macafe7160 He use to fight for Bellator and his brother Kevin fights for the UFC.

[@daayygo]

@@TappaTop that's crazy bro, I was thinking to myself he looks exactly like Kevin Lee 😂

[@superidolshangabi5898]

@@TappaTop damn,that explain why he looks familiar 🤣

[@chrism2839]

What a great story. They actually benefitted from each other, his review brought them business, and now the success of their business from his review might bring other restaurants to get him to review their food. Congrats on everyone, we need more love and support in this world

[@1swaggatarius]

This is proof that kindness goes a long way they both didn’t know who each other was but had kind hearts

[@TheZeroLatitud]

Watching this felt so nice. They both brought each other up and looks like none of them really expected it.

[@staceywilliams1863]

Ikr! Talk about a “feel good” story! 😊

[@ambergriffin91]

Wow, this makes me feel so good! Good for Frank!

[@johnathangonzo5837]

He’s been so spoken about his social anxiety, and how it took him hours to even say a word on camera . Now look what a Sucess he is , in absolutely happy for him 🤝🤜🤛💪

[@TheTruem4n]

That's interesting. Amazing indeed

[@hiddenleaf2]

I wanted to cry watching his tik tok. His energy was so pure and sweet

[@amokofi34]

" He's been so outspoken about"

[@johnathangonzo5837]

@@amokofi34 Congrats ! You made it past 1st grade and you want to flaunt your lame ass vocabulary lol. I can correct things too, I can correct your face from how it is into another way 😂.

[@aeoligarlic4024]

Two winning stories, for both restauran owners and Keith. This is so wholesome! Definitely the kind of news we need

[@firstnamelastname5574]

This is what people who follow influencers should do, help out family businesses that deserve it, 1 person just saved the future of an entire family

[@coryjackson6944]

that's profound 🧐

[@MAJIK0909]

When food makes you pause or your eyes roll back in your head, you KNOW it's good!!! Keith just gave honest reactions and his followers trusted his reactions! Congratulations all around, y'all!

[@missyyamada7919]

An influencer using his platform to change lives and do good. I love it!!!❤❤❤ Also, I giggled when he got up from the Pup Patrol chair. A man not staging his background. That's an authentic guy. 😊

[@NurseSnow2U]

WE TRULY LOVE TO SEE IT!!!! I giggled too!!! 😂🥹

[@andromeda1903]

THIS is an influencer!!!! what a heartwarming story! i'm holding back tears seeing all the love poured out to someone who needed it

[@justinclark7917]

I came from a reel to see if I could find an update and I couldnt be happier for them!

[@chocolatemoose6244]

Keith deserves everything in the world He’s a great guy who cares for small businesses

[@ColinMcEvoy]

a man that reviews food from a pawpatrol kids chair? I'll believe what he says over some fancy food reviewer all day. I don't have tiktok but this is one of the ways i think its put to good use.

[@Gigi-rk7dr]

This guy is a Godsend for small struggling businesses! I wish him nothing but the best this world has to offer❤️

[@TheeBratzDollxox]

I saw this tiktok in real time. It is so crazy how fast you can go viral for any reason. It’s absolutely heartwarming to see that this was for absolute GREAT reason! I pray that they ALL continue to soar and prosper ❤️❤️❤️

[@Immaleave.mp3]

He’s so genuine and kind , we need more influencers like him 😭❤️❤️

[@Silencio_boy]

I could NEVER be a food reviewer like this guy. I'm the type of guy who'd be "this food is delicious, this other food is delicious, y'all hate this place but their food is delicious, this dumpster place's food I'd delicious as well"

[@andreasanchez1453]

Same I’d be the worst 😅 I love food

[@TheTruem4n]

Me too. I'm a worst critic

[@leylamohamed7950]

LMAO this is so me..I used to give every service I got 5 stars until my husband reminded me I was doing them dis-service because he said "where is the room for improvement"✋🤧💀😭😩

[@Complete_Stranger7050]

My mentality: Damn this food taste better, *eats another* damn this food tastes better _the cycle continues_

[@soso-mx8nb]

Lol same. It would be so hard to think of what to say. "It's good because it's delicious"

[@jamecia8550]

He seems really nice. It's sad that he's getting violent threats from bad restaurant owners.

[@dionsqualls6194]

I remember growing up with Keith in Southfield MI. He was genuine then and still genuine now.

[@macafe7160]

I absolutely love stories like this. I didn't stop smiling the entire time. The owner is so grateful and he literally turned this man's life around and it was for free, just being his self. I love that the owner didn't know who he was but still was just going about his day then boom he didn't know what hit him. This is giving me a glimpse of hope for my ppl.

[@tombosley3048]

Thank you for using your platform to help a wonderful man like Frank!! Awesome

[@zchaniqie98]

Love this for everyone involved. Keith getting recognized, that awesome restaurant getting the attention it deserves. So amazing!!

[@destiny-mt1cc]

He seems like such a good genuine guy and I really hope he makes it to a full-time food reviewer!

[@kathyberry3878]

Love watching his TT reviews. He’s honest, never takes free stuff and gives you clear reviews. So glad he’s getting the views he deserves.

[@bklynzcoco]

Tears of joy for the owner and this young good soul Ty god

[@lammihownishylla2637]

See if all influencers were like this dude. The world would be a better place..Bless you brother and bless the food chain..may you have success always🙌🏻

[@bewareofsasquatch]

This is what an influencer should be. This amazing! So many amazing hole in the walls die because just like he said was about marketing. I love this story!

[@TheRandompaint]

You can tell that owner needed that. 🔥🔥🔥

[@Xtremepoophead]

This is amazing! I’m so glad to hear it

[@rhondajohnson3072]

This put a smile on my face. We need more stories like these❤

[@anime45]

I love Keith. He's a great guy, truthful, and incredibly wholesome

[@DannaK247]

This is what playing it forward means! God bless them both!!

[@akirance33]

Great customer service gives that little extra taste in food

[@KEESHWASH]

God Bless them all! That was a tear jerker.💞💞🙏💞🙏💞🙏

[@BrownSugaaaOutlaw]

Love him as an influencer he’s real and uses his platform responsibly

[@coryjackson6944]

👏🏽.. and very respectful when giving a not so pleasant review..

[@MollyHuffle]

I wish there was more influencers like him. What a king! I’m so happy for this business!!! This is wholesome and great!

[@sonofsocrates9899]

I ❤️ stories like this.. wish them all the success, both the business and the young man.

[@evans.2944]

It’s so nice to see amazing things happen for so many people for simply enjoying what you love.

[@leeann1768]

I love good news in this day and age. How wonderful.

[@seanthe100]

Damn this story gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside

[@Fangfaey10582]

Love how he reviews restaurants and places that aren’t popular or well known, he’s a true food critic!

[@awesomekoga7848]

If you’re that good, you deserve it! It’s sad how awesome food & epic service can go unheard of then in the blink of an eye, social media can turn it all around. It’s like this food place we found by accident. We started telling our friends & family about it and I’m sure word of mouth went from friend to friend then we noticed from being one of the few customers, to waiting room only!

[@hombre6604]

i’m soo happy for the both of them! they truly deserved those success ✨

[@troyprice7407]

Social media for a good cause, wonderful to see and K.Lee hats off to you, good man!

[@davidrobinson5023]

Love seeing him on people vs food. He is an awesome guy

[@Toketree]

See this is the positive side of the internet. This is what the internment does to connect us all that changes us from strangers to legit family. I love it so much. Food looks amazing too.

[@maryannsmith4160]

Thank you, Keith!!!much love from Illinois...👏♥️🙏

[@prettykittycakes]

I love stories like this!!! This is AWESOME

[@reneegardner2286]

that's awesome, I lived and struggled myself living in Las Vegas. I'm so happy he was able to help him ❤️

[@Yulandapotee423]

I love this❤❤❤preparation meets opportunity

[@Reconseal4050]

Wow......amazing how this many made a comeback for this restaurant! Proves that influencers can make great impact for communities and struggling restaurants!

[@mombo920]

Something good actually came out of tik tok what a rare sight

[@kenmoore8877]

This Story Is Just Incredible & Absolutely Heart Warming! Congrats To Frank On Having Great Food & Congrats To Keith For Giving Him An Opportunity To Share It With More People Than Ever Before!

[@laneslegacy5794]

That's so dope!!! Keith, a whole blessing

[@logancharles3612]

I am big fan of Keith Lee and one day in the future I hope meet in person. Keith Lee will have bright future ahead of him!

[@444truthteller]

That’s beautiful man. Got me when he started crying. That’s what life is about guys. Giving back.

[@deanflet973]

This is the kind of person we need out there giving Amazing reviews good or bad I'll start following his channel. I hope he starts doing KZbin Shorts I think he can make it as a food critic we need more people like him to give honest reviews on restaurants and fast food restaurants.

[@ladynikkie]

Definitely one thing we should learn. We should always support small businesses. That really got to me when Keith mentioned that restaurant originally barely had any customers to pay their rent but now they making money to actually keep their business going. I wish that establishment all the success

[@nisa_skeeter]

wow, I am tearing up.

[@kimberlya3955]

I’m going to remember this place the next time I visit. This is what life is about, helping and watching out for each other

[@meximami3494]

That's awesome. This story brought tears to my eyes. Young man you saved a family business and I know they will be forever grateful for that .🙏 🙌

[@vinasanjoyo]

Wow, it's great to see such a positive news! Congrats to Keith and Frank, you guys deserve it 🙏🏻💕 keep on doing the good work, God bless you 😇🙏🏻

[@josephmorris9880]

Keep up what your doing keith lee changing helping lives. The world needs mire people like you .

[@mompreneurlife]

❤this is a great story because it's about someone using his influence to do good. thank you for this.❤

[@TemperXx]

I hope keith becomes one of those food reviewers that travel the world on tv

[@TheLifeLounge]

Beautiful! Paying it forward. Continued blessings to them both and their families. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@arfriedman4577]

Keith is a very likeable man. He connects well with people. Much success and health to all.

[@DR_SOLO]

Good for you. You deserve it. Don't question it , You Just enjoy it