Keith Lee, a social media powerhouse with over 16 million followers on TikTok, made an unannounced visit to Warner Robins’ Tacos Y Mariscos Ofelia, bringing hope and a financial boost to the local business.
🌮 Why It Matters: In small towns, restaurants like Tacos Y Mariscos Ofelia often struggle to make ends meet. When a viral star steps in, they can experience a dramatic turnaround, showing how social media can drive community support and visibility.
💸 What Happened: Known for supporting struggling eateries, Lee didn’t just sample the food. He covered the restaurant’s rent for three months and left $900 so future customers could dine free.
• Lee found Tacos Y Mariscos Ofelia after seeing a social media post detailing the restaurant’s financial challenges.
• After a two-hour flight to Atlanta and another two-hour drive, Lee and his family arrived, ready to eat and uplift.
👨👩👦 Behind the Scenes: In his review, Lee praised the restaurant’s family-centered atmosphere and noted young family members running the front of the house due to staffing shortages.
• The restaurant’s owners shared how they’ve been stretched thin, even needing to send employees to nearby Macon to source supplies.
• Lee’s appearance is likely to spark the “Keith Lee Effect,” which has previously seen struggling restaurants suddenly packed with new patrons after his endorsement.
🍟 Food Review Highlights: Lee’s tasting tour included guacamole, street corn, and loaded fries, with the fries earning a top spot at 9/10 for their homemade taste. He also praised the birria pizza’s crispy, cheesy flavors, while the street corn and salsa didn’t quite win them over.
• Fan Favorites: Loaded fries and birria pizza – loved for their fresh ingredients and rich, homemade flavors.
📈 The Big Picture: Lee’s trip exemplifies the power of social media to drive real-world change for local businesses. For Tacos Y Mariscos Ofelia, the exposure and financial relief could mean the difference between keeping the doors open or closing up.
The Video: You can watch the video for yourself below.
@keith_lee125 #stitch with @Tacosymariscosofelia Tacos Y Marisco Ofelia taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound – Keith Lee