Atlanta’s Culinary Scene Gets Hate After Keith Lee’s Food Tour

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

When TikTok food critic Keith Lee, known for his candid reviews with over 14.5 million followers, landed in Atlanta, no one anticipated the storm that would follow. Lee, often hailed for uplifting small businesses and encouraging followers to form their opinions, faced a series of unexpected hurdles that brought both praise and criticism to Atlanta’s bustling restaurant scene.

The man who usually ‘Keith Lee-d’ restaurants—bringing a surge in popularity—experienced a starkly different reception in the city. His attempt to grab a bite at The Real Milk and Honey in College Park turned into an ordeal. Despite wide-open doors, Lee claimed the staff cited an early closure for cleaning, prompting him to decline service even after stepping inside.

The Impact of Keith Lee—The Food TikTok Sensation

A similar narrative unfolded at Old Lady Gang, owned by Grammy-winning artist Kandi Burruss. Lee alleged that after being informed of a substantial wait for takeout, he personally entered the establishment and miraculously secured immediate seating.

Responses varied among the establishments. The Real Milk and Honey initially posted a video questioning, “Who is this Keith Lee?” before deleting it. Later, the restaurant issued an apology on Instagram, stressing the value of feedback for improvement.

Kandi Burruss expressed regret over the service delay due to high weekend demand and the challenge of juggling dine-in and takeaway orders.

Social media erupted, amplifying complaints about some Atlanta restaurants prioritizing their online image over food quality and service. Even rapper Cardi B joined the discourse, sharing her struggles with restaurant service in the city.

Atlanta’s culinary renaissance, marked by celebrity-owned spots and Michelin stars, faced scrutiny for inconsistencies in service, operating hours, and customer policies.

Keith Lee responded, acknowledging diverse opinions and emphasizing his commitment to unbiased critique. Concerned for safety, he urged respectful discourse.

Mike Jordan from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution saw the incident as a catalyst for necessary dialogue, offering an outsider’s perspective.

Restaurateur Miguel Hernandez foresaw an opportunity for improvement, believing Lee’s experiences could motivate elevated standards.

In the aftermath, an unintended consequence emerged. Milk and Honey, unrelated to The Real Milk and Honey, reported threats and bad reviews from confused patrons.

Keith Lee’s Atlanta tour triggered discussions about the intricate relationship between influencers, restaurants, and evolving diner expectations. Amid challenges, the city aspires to positive change, hoping for growth in its vibrant culinary landscape.

Tags: Kieth Lee
Desk Writer

Spends most of the time reading news all around the world. Strong knowledge and understanding of the current situation and happenings in the ASEAN region.

Recent Posts

Korean Actress Kang Seo Ha Dies at Age 31 After Battling Illness

Kang Seo Ha, a South Korean actress passed away yesterday aged 31 and the South Korean entertainment industry is mourning.…

July 15, 2025

Indonesia U23 Squad Finalized for ASEAN U23 Cup 2025 in Jakarta

The Indonesian Football Federation has now officially settled on a 23-man list of competitors who will take part in the…

July 15, 2025

Why the UAE Is Becoming a Trusted Global Hub for Digital Payment Systems

The United Arab Emirates is not just on a path to becoming cashless - it is defining the future of…

July 14, 2025

BLACKPINK’s ‘Jump’ Reaches third No.1 on Spotify Global

K-pop sensation BLACKPINK has made history once again.The phenomenon, which is BLACKPINK's last single, "Jump," official hit number one on…

July 14, 2025

Japan’s Tokito Oda wins second Wimbledon wheelchair title

 Japan's Tokito Oda captured his second Wimbledon men's wheelchair singles title, overcoming Britain's Alfie Hewett 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in a…

July 14, 2025

KPop Demon Hunters Movie Breaks Records with Hit Song ‘Golden’ on Spotify Charts

KPop Demon Hunters is the story of a huge animated movie success that conquered the hearts of people all around…

July 12, 2025