ATLANTA, GA — TikTok influencer Keith Lee, who has been receiving a mixture of backlash and support since releasing recent reviews that put the Atlanta restaurant culture at the forefront of several debates, says he stands on his honest opinion.
Lee, whose TikTok handle is keith_lee125, recently visited multiple restaurants in town during a food tour and highlighted the extensive wait times and the general no call-in orders rule popular among Atlanta restaurants. Seemingly, per Lee’s reviews, known public figures are allowed to avoid long wait times and be seated quicker than other customers at some restaurants.
In his latest video on the matter, Lee did not directly detail possible threats he has received but said the safety of he and his family “has come into play” as of late.
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“That’s where I draw the line at,” Lee said, who noted he will never lie and will only be truthful in his reviews. ” … There was so much positive that happened in Atlanta that was shunned by the negative.”
While in Atlanta, Lee visited Old Lady Gang, the Real Milk and Honey, Jamaican Jerk Biz and Juci Jerk.
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The Real Milk and Honey’s house rules and OLG’s expansive wait times were the focal point of their respective reviews. He also noted the special treatment he received once staff members learned of his influencer status – though he declined the treatment and opted to not go ahead in front of other customers who had been waiting at least an hour to be seated.
A video has been circulating on social media claiming to show staff members at The Real Milk and Honey asking, “Who is Keith Lee,” after Lee said in his review that the establishment’s rules were not for him. I mean that, and when I say it, I mean it.”
“If you want me to come, please understand, I will be honest,” Lee said in latest video. “I don’t mean no harm. I don’t have no malicious intent.”
The Milk and Honey, a Cascade Road restaurant with a similar name as the College Park eatery Lee reviewed, has been caught in the crossfire, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
The owners of The Milk and Honey told Fox 5 that people “have been threatening the wrong business.”
“Some people will call and just say we hate you. … We’re never going to come there again,” Service Manager Michael Hambrick told Fox 5.
Lee maintains he advocates against people negatively commenting and threatening the restaurants. He asked people to form their own opinions of the eateries.
His reviews serve the purpose of helping business owners and communities, he said.
“In the grand scheme of things, it’s about giving back,” he said. “It’s about giving back to the community. It’s about stimulating economy. That’s what it’s about.”
He continued, “Nobody’s safety should be on the line, not mine, not my family’s, not the restaurants that we go to. Relax. … I’ll walk away from everything before I lie.”
Lee then followed up with a video at a ice cream truck, showing him paying for people’s ice cream orders. He complimented the driver’s customer service skills and tipped him $1,000, so the driver can get the transmission fixed on the ice cream truck.
He said he will postpone tours if they have similar results as those in Atlanta.
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