If you have been scrolling through TikTok, you are bound to see heated conversation around food influencer and critic, Keith Lee’s recent visit to Atlanta where he described restaurant rules and service as “unique”. On one account his wife went into Kandi Burruss’ Old Lady Gang and was told that the wait would be over an hour, however when the staff saw that it was Lee, they advised him that their table was ready.
There is even a video of Lee speaking to one restaurant owner demanding that he serve the patrons that have been waiting outside in their car. “Social media aside, I’m just Keith”, says Lee to the owner.
Since the post has been made, TikTok has been flooded with responses from users around the country speaking on how they feel about Atlanta’s Black food scene. One of the most viral responses is from one Atlanta restaurant insinuating that they don’t know who Keith Lee is. Even Cardi B chimed in expressing her time feelings on the matter. “Thank you Jesus I’m famous but even being famous, it’s a hassle” said Cardi B, “It’s like they are doing you a favor.”
@keith_lee125 Old Lady Gang taste test 💕 would you try it 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound - Keith Lee
There has been response from Old Lady Gang owner Kandi Burruss, “I do appreciate Keith Lee for trying to show us love it is very unfortunate that we couldn’t serve him and his family” further stating, “We don’t want to overwhelm our kitchen by having to have such long times for the people who are actually at the restaurant”. In response there were many people saying that her apology made no sense.Does this mean that Black restaurants may need to hire more kitchen staff so that they can take to-go orders for those that don’t want to dine in but still want to support?
@kandi Thanks for stopping by #OldLadyGang @Keith Lee ♬ original sound - kandi
Given the style of review that Lee is known for, he only orders to-go and does the review in his vehicle. Lee shared that he was approached by someone that worked with Burruss that had been trying to contact them. However because of the style of Lee’s review there is no way that any restaurant that he reviews can get out of being exposed for what “regular diners” experience.
Visitors and citizens of Atlanta shared that they also experienced this type of treatment from Black-Owned restaurants. Since the conversation has started, this leaves many questions and concerns on the table for both patrons and Black restaurant owners? Like where do Atlanta Black restaurants go from here? Will they make a change or is this how its going to be.
“There are lots of Black owned clubs” said Eden, “These restaurants have noticed some of the success of these clubs and adopted some of their strategies”.
One social media influencer Eden Hagos of @edenthefoodie and the creator of @blackfoodie.co on Instagram shared that what diners are experiencing is the “Clubification of Black Restaurants”. “There are lots of Black owned clubs” said Eden, “These restaurants have noticed some of the success of these clubs and adopted some of their strategies”. She later explains how these restaurants use arbitrary dress codes, no options for reservations, bottle service, hookah, waiting outside in long lines and “feels like there is a bouncer, no hostess greeting you”. With this “clubification” tactic used by restaurant owners, is it creating a pleasurable dining experience for diners? We all know the answer to this question.
Since Lee’s stop in Atlanta he has made responses to the public via his social media. “If you want me to come please understand that I am gone be honest”. With this attitude, this is why his audience has grown to over 14 million followers and his viewers trust his opinion. Despite the negative experiences being over hyped, Lee and his family had a mostly wonderful experience in Atlanta. As always, when Lee graces a restaurant with his review and expresses his love for the food, the restaurants experience long lines of customers ready to feel the same what he felt.
So where do you think Atlanta’s Black restaurants should go from here? Do you think Keith Lee sparked a juicy debate or will there be change to how these restaurants serve their diners? If you are not in Atlanta, are you seeing these “Clubification” trends in your city?
Author: Black Restaurant Week
Content Team
