Controversial TikTok restaurant critic Keith Lee is coming to Arizona. But should he?
Keith Lee, a former MMA fighter and now social media food critic with 17 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, is known for his videos eating takeout food in cities around the country in his car and giving honest reviews. His TikTok videos have garnered over 96.3 million likes and he's gotten so popular, the uptick in business at a restaurant he reviews has been dubbed "The Keith Lee" effect by Bon Appetit.
Some of Lee's videos have sparked controversy in the past for his criticism of small businesses, but he has also boosted business at many of the restaurants he's visited.
Lee announced in a video on Wednesday night, Feb. 21 that his next stop is Arizona.
Lee posted a poll on his Instagram story asking people to vote on which city he should focus on: metro Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff or Prescott. He also asked for specific restaurant recommendations and encouraged Arizonans to share their favorites with him on TikTok or Instagram.
How to give Keith Lee Arizona restaurant recommendations
In the video, Lee said he's looking for restaurants in four categories: mom and pop spots "that have great food and great customer service, but could use the marketing"; popular spots chosen by locals that "embody the food scene in Arizona"; restaurants with cuisines focusing on different cultures and ethnicities; and the top recommended restaurants on DoorDash, which sponsors his videos.
People can share their suggestions by commenting on his post. sending him a direct message on Instagram or TikTok or emailing him at Keith@v1sionventures.com.
When is Keith Lee coming to Arizona?
He did not specify when he will begin his Arizona food tour, only saying that it is coming soon.
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Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on X, formerly Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: TikTok food critic Keith Lee is coming to Arizona. Here's what to know
