Keith Lee Speaks Out About Review Reaction From Restaurant Owner
By Melanie VanDerveer on May 30, 2023 at 8:45 PM EDT
Popular TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee recently gave his honest opinion on food from Orlando-based restaurant Chicken Fire. His lower ratings prompted the owner of the establishment, Kwame Boakye, to respond via TikTok video, and now, Lee has issued his response.
Keith Lee Has Shared His Thoughts On How Chicken Fire's Owner Handled His Recent Review
Lee explained in his response video that the team at Chicken Fire asked him to visit and review the food multiple times.
"I paid for my food. I gave my own opinion like I said I would. But now, after the review, you say multiple times that my opinion doesn't matter," Lee said.
The video then goes to a clip from Boakye where he said, "No person's opinion can change anything for what we do. So, absolutely 100,000% don't give a crap about anyone's review, including Keith Lee's."
Lee then continues his response, saying that when the two met in person, Boakye told him he wanted Lee's "true, honest opinion regardless."
"You want my honest opinion, yet my opinion doesn't matter. You've posted multiple videos on your account and your business account," Lee continued. "As well as a full 18-minute video."
After the review, Lee then shared a clip of what some of the kitchen staff were saying that the owner didn't share in his TikTok videos.
"In my original video, as always, I stated it was my only opinion," Lee said. "While I agree wholeheartedly that my opinion should never be the end all or be all, and people should experience it for themselves if they want to, I am not a fan of you saying on multiple occasions that my opinion doesn't matter at all and no matter what I say it doesn't matter because I was asked to come and I was asked to give my opinion."
He continued by explaining that this type of narrative is tricky - if he gives a positive review, he's praised, but if he shows what's deemed a negative review, his opinion doesn't matter - and in his eyes, "that's not fair to me."
Lee further explained that he would not put his integrity on the line for anything or anyone.
"Even when it's something I'm not a huge fan of, I try my best to be constructive and not be completely negative," he continued. "Which I wholeheartedly believe I did in this situation."
Lee also reminds everyone that he wishes no harm or negativity on anyone and asks his viewers not to leave hate comments or anything negative about the restaurant.
He concluded his video by giving encouragement, success, and positive thoughts toward Chicken Fire.
Keith Lee's Followers Took To The Comments To Leave Their Thoughts
Many of Lee's loyal followers took to the comment section of the video response to share their thoughts on the situation.
"His response will hurt his business more than Keith's review," one person wrote.
Another added, "Poor management, a bad attitude, and a big ego will kill a business faster than anything anyone could say. Keep doing great things."
One person shared what they feel is a better way to respond to a low rating. "Idk man, 'we will turn Keith's 5/10 review into a 10/10 within the next few months and invite him over again' would've been a great marketing move."
Another follower reminded Lee, "He cares what you think, hence the response. Keep doing what you do, Keith. 🥰"
