When TikTok food critic Keith Lee arrives at Destination Smokehouse with $4,000 in cash and millions of followers, prepare to watch him meet UNC. Melanism – For himself, he does not get what he expects. Instead, security turned him away, saying Walter Johnson, Destination’s greatest marketing tool, was “too busy” filming the podcast. What happened next set off a minor firestorm on social media and continues to expose troubling questions about who really controls and profits from Trump. Johnson.
Angie (@angeyb__) provides a Cliff’s Notes version of the content in the TikTok clip.
” Keith Lee leaves to comment [Destination Smokehouse.] When he arrived at the restaurant, it was packed – people everywhere and security guards around [Johnson.] He didn’t get to meet him,” Angie explained.
“Keith walked outside and basically let them know he had $5,000 – I think it ended up being $4,000 because he was going to donate the $1,000 to something else,” she continued. “He said he had $1,000 to give to anyone in line to pay for their meal, and he also had money to attend Tenderism. But he also said he would never be able to meet that person. They let him know, like, ‘Oh, he’s busy. He’s doing a podcast’ and so on.”
Lee’s videos include reviews of the restaurant’s food. It was a largely positive review, props for the oxtail, which was probably the best he’s ever had. But he didn’t like the mac and cheese, and he was less than enthusiastic about the brisket, which fell into the “good” range.
So what went wrong and what is the function of Unc at Destination?
Reality
First, Mr. Johnson does not own Destination. Nick Yepremian is the owner and manager of Destination Smokehouse, formerly a family coffee shop (Destination Coffee Bar) in Hemet, California. The coffee shop is run by his mother, Patricia Yepremian. Johnson was actually visiting a nearby museum, walked in and started making gumbo for them.
After Johnson stepped in in 2019, Nick decided to expand the store into a restaurant in early 2020. However, at this time it was just a small barbecue restaurant and not the barbecue experience it is today.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he teamed up with Johnson, a chef and chef, to transform the business into a Texas-style barbecue restaurant. Now, it should be noted that Yepremian said Johnson provided him with his signature cooking style and belief, saying, “Walter was a big part of my confidence to continue working in the restaurant industry. He was a big part of learning how to be a better person, more than anything.”
Johnson is the spokesperson and marketing driver for Destination, with videos that continue to go viral, including a video featuring food influencer Jordan the Stallion that has been viewed 3 million times. His “gentleness,” dramatic reactions and genuine excitement for food attract thousands of customers from around the world, potentially resulting in astronomical revenue.
The $64,000 Question
The exact ownership structure and Johnson’s financial interest in the business remain unclear from public sources. Nick Yepremian is listed as “Owner/Pitmaster” on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
Johnson is variously described as a “cook,” a “warehouse supervisor,” a “worker,” and in the language of a partner. Johnson himself referred to Nick as his “partner” in at least one report.
This ambiguity is at the heart of the current controversy, as for some, Destination’s use of Johnson as its spokesperson is questionable at best.
Keith Lee Effect
Keith Lee is a former mixed martial arts fighter who has become a highly successful food influencer. He originally started playing videos to help overcome anxiety.
He was known for supporting small black businesses and leaving generous tips. His impact, he says, “has changed the lives of 150 families like ours.” His videos often shine a spotlight on hidden gem restaurants and help save others from going out of business.
Lee, who often travels with his family while trying food from around the country (and the world), wanted to give Johnson’s influence some love. In the Dec. 29 video, he and his family spent $129.77 on beef ribs, oxtails, brisket, coleslaw, mac and cheese, yams, Texas toast and barbecue sauce. He said the service was great and the order was placed within 10 minutes.
But when he encountered resistance in the restaurant, many viewers were dissatisfied. Despite Lee’s own rise to fame, he attributes this to Johnson now being a hot commodity. Lee eventually took the money and gave it away.
Response from Destination Smokehouse Owners
Yepremian and Johnson responded to the slights Lee felt.
“If I knew he was here, I probably would have at least asked [Johnson] Stop for a few seconds so we can pass. This is what I will do. But since I reached out, I haven’t heard back,” said Yepremian, who clearly didn’t like Lee’s full comments.
They also seemed to want some hints, but that’s not Lee’s style
“I thought I was very respectful. From what he saw in the comments, it seemed like Keith didn’t really capture what it was like to come to this place. It’s disappointing that people don’t know everyone despite being popular on social media,” Yepremian continued.
Johnson’s idea was for Lee to “drink some Kool-Aid” and “do a podcast.”
Peanut Gallery reviews Keith Lee’s Destination Smokehouse Experience
There are many opinions in the comments, but there is a common thread.
In Angie’s video, one person said, “I don’t like this boss/employee dynamic. They are taking advantage of the old man. He makes a lot of money for them and I know they pay him next to nothing.”
One commenter also believed a conspiracy was brewing. “They knew it was Keith Lee, believe me!” they said. “The owners don’t want Unk to get the money. If Unk starts getting money on top of what the restaurant pays him, they’re worried he’ll take his charm and charisma elsewhere.”
Others couldn’t believe the pricing. “$129 for a plate of 3 meats with two sides? Like USD[?] They can keep any bid they get,” they wrote.
“This is not a UNC restaurant, I really hope he is working on opening one,” said one person commenting on Lee’s original comment. “He really started a whole movement that other people are profiting from.”
One person echoed the comment’s sentiments, saying: “Uncle’s entourage prevented his blessing.”
Another commenter wrote: “They are taking advantage of that guy. They don’t want him to get any outside benefits. You are such a gift.”
But some of the comments were hilarious. “UNC, like you, let Keith Lee escape his enemies, fiery,” they joked.
AllHipHop contacted Keith Lee via TikTok private message and Destination Smokehouse via the contact form. This story will be updated if either party responds.
