Keith Lee, the popular TikTok influencer and food critic with over 17 million followers, has returned to Houston with one of his most generous gifts yet. This time, Lee teamed up with Toast, a restaurant management software company, to present a $50,000 donation to The Puddery, a dessert shop in Pearland, Texas.
In a heartfelt TikTok and Instagram video, Lee surprised the shop’s owner, Janel Prator, and her daughter with the large grant. Prator, visibly moved, shared that the money would be used to remodel The Puddery’s upcoming second location.
Keith Lee’s Support for Small Restaurants
Lee, known for his philanthropic efforts, expressed his admiration for Prator. “The owner of The Puddery is one of my favorite people so far, and I’m honored to be able to do this,” Lee said in the video. “I’m honored to call you my friend.”
The $50,000 gift also includes a free year-long subscription to Toast’s restaurant management software, which will help streamline operations at The Puddery. Lee further announced that he and Toast would be gifting another $50,000 to a neighborhood restaurant. To make this happen, Lee encouraged his followers on TikTok and Instagram to nominate their favorite local spots using the hashtag “#itsthelittlethings.” The restaurant with the most nominations will receive $25,000.
Social Media Reactions and Impact
Lee’s generous gesture has gone viral, earning more than 37,000 likes on Instagram and over 120,000 likes on TikTok. Many people, including well-known influencers like Tabitha Brown, have left supportive comments.
Prator expressed her gratitude on Instagram, saying, “I will never NOT mention your name and show appreciation for what you did for me and my family. You single-handedly changed my life for the better.”
The Keith Lee Effect: A Lifeline for Struggling Businesses
This act of kindness is another example of what has come to be known as the “Keith Lee Effect.” Lee first visited The Puddery after receiving numerous requests from Prator, who had been struggling to keep her business afloat. In a previous video, Prator shared that her shop was on the brink of closing, with some days seeing only two customers and unpaid bills piling up.
Lee’s visit turned everything around. After leaving a $2,000 tip and posting a glowing review on social media, Lee’s influence drove hundreds of customers to The Puddery. The influx of business led to long lines outside the shop, forcing it to temporarily close due to overwhelming demand.
Houston and Beyond: Lee’s Growing Impact
This isn’t the first time Lee has had an impact in Houston. In 2023, he ranked the city as the second-best food destination in the U.S., right behind New Orleans. Lee’s excitement for the local food scene was evident as he visited spots like Stick Talk Cajun-Hibachi, Butter Funk Kitchen, The Breakfast Klub, and Mezza Grille. His presence in the city sparked a wave of support for local eateries.
With Lee now living in Dallas, it’s clear that Texas will continue to feel the ripple effects of his influence. After making waves in Houston, Lee recently visited Austin during the SXSW festival, further cementing his connection with the Lone Star State.
Keith Lee’s efforts highlight the power of social media to make a difference, supporting small businesses and showing the immense impact of kindness in the digital age.
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