Viral chef Mr Tendernism has responded after Keith Lee was stopped by security for attempting to give a $5000 tip following his visit.
Food reviews have become one of the internet’s favorite bits of content to watch. The videos have become incredibly popular on Instagram and TikTok, especially with a wave of popular new reviewers being created.
Keith Lee is at the forefront of that. The TikToker’s reviews have saved a number of restaurants due to people wanting to try their food after him, but it has also created a fair bit of controversy over the years.
Before the end of 2025, Keith finally tried one of the most requested spots – Destination Smokehouse – and attempted to give the chef, Walter ‘Mr. Tendernism’ Johnson a $4000 tip, with an extra $1000 to cover orders from other customers. However, he was stopped by security from doing so.
“Security said he was filming something, I believe he was filming a podcast,” Keith said at the end of his review, noting that he tried to leave the cash with someone else but was unable to.
Destination Smokehouse responds to Keith Lee review
The tip denial caused a bit of backlash towards Destination Smokehouse, especially from fans of the TikToker.
Mr Tenderism and the restaurant’s pit master, Nick Yepremain, confirmed that they had been filming a podcast at the time and invited Keith to return.
“If I would have known he was here, I would have probably asked to stop for a few seconds so I could have gone over there,” Yepremain said on the Willie D Live YouTube channel. “Ever since I reached out to him, I’ve gotten zero response. I thought I was very respectful.
“From what I watched of the review, it just didn’t seem like he really captured what its like when you come to this place. It’s disappointing that, as popular as people can be on social media, people don’t know everybody.”
Johnson himself weighed in, urging Keith to do a podcast episode with him. “This is what we need to do, we need to do a podcast. That way, we can clear all this stuff up,” he said.
“It’s just a misunderstanding. It’s 2026, we gonna clear up everything.”
As it stands, the TikToker hasn’t responded to their calls to return to Destination Smokehouse to clear the air, and it remains to be seen if he will.
