Keith Lee, a 28-year-old food critic, has become a global sensation thanks to TikTok. His journey began in 2021 when he started posting restaurant reviews, amassing nearly 17 million followers and close to 800 million likes. Lee’s signature review style involves rating dishes on a scale of one to 10 from his car, initially focusing on local Las Vegas eateries. However, his growing popularity led to food tours across the US, extending to international culinary hotspots like South Korea and Japan.
Lee’s influence is undeniable. A positive review from him can result in overwhelming customer traffic, as seen with Dynamite Korean Food & Sushi/Grill, where wait times reached five hours after he encouraged his followers to support the family-owned business following the owner’s passing. Lee, recognized as one of 2024’s Creators of the Year by PEOPLE, expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to help others achieve their dreams. He recounts a touching moment when the late owner’s son shared how Lee’s review allowed his father to witness his restaurant’s success before his passing.
Beyond boosting businesses, TikTok has significantly impacted Lee’s personal life. He openly discusses his struggles with social anxiety and depression, noting a marked improvement in his communication skills since starting his platform. Comparing past videos to his current content, Lee acknowledges the transformative role of TikTok and its community in overcoming these challenges.
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Lee emphasizes the vital support of his family – his wife Ronni and children, Karter and Riley – in managing his anxiety and seasonal depression. He credits them with providing him with essential coping mechanisms and grounding him amidst his growing fame. He clarifies that his success isn’t overnight, but rather built on a loyal community that has followed him since his early days on Vine and Instagram in 2014. He describes this long-standing following as a “distant family” who have witnessed his personal and professional evolution.
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Looking ahead, Lee believes the “Keith Lee Effect” is just getting started. He plans to expand his culinary explorations to new countries, including Australia, France, and the United Kingdom. Reflecting on his journey, Lee emphasizes gratitude for his experiences, particularly a recent trip to Japan, which he describes as “shell-shocking” and a reminder to appreciate every aspect of life. His future plans promise to further solidify his position as a leading voice in the global food scene.
