Keith Lee has shut down Atlanta again, but this time on a much lighter note.
The MMA fighter-turned-social media star returned to the southern city, which raised his overall celebrity in the fall of 2023. This time, for a redemption experience.
At the end of 2023, Lee told his more than 16 million TikTok followers his best and worst cities he visited in his food and family tour. Atlanta was one of his worst cities due to poor customer service. He said he was often given lengthy wait times until they realized who he was. Still, he always declined the change of heart because he wanted to be treated like every other customer. Lee’s sour reviews of some of the spots in the city led to heavy social media criticism and even threats. This time around, Lee said he wanted no problems and that he’s coming with security. Once he landed in Atlanta, he said he was postponing Atlanta’s actual redemption tour, but was going to host a giveaway for the people in the city. Lee had to change locations at the last minute, but he still packed out a parking lot off Piedmont Avenue for hours. Frequent Lee collaborator and popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat also showed up, alongside fellow AMP content creator Fanum and Ray, a Taiwanese fan of Cenat’s who has since become a popular streamer himself.
Lee announced the Atlanta pop-up on his Instagram, which was shared by Lil Yachty and T-Pain. The businesses represented in the parking lot included Steve’s Caribbean Kitchen, EggRoll Boyz, New Wave Mobile Experience, My Favorite Ice Cream Truck, Kayla’s Italian Ice and Vurritos Locos.
At the pop-up, Atlanta residents Mars Royale and Banks Royale spoke to rolling out about the experience.
What was the Keith Lee food giveaway like?
Mars Royale: It was pretty good once they got all the kinks and stuff figured out because it did get shut down at the original location it was at. Once it got over here, everybody was ready to eat and try new things out. Apparently, he only had one food truck set up, but then more people came out. They want to promote their business to do whatever they want to do.
It’s pretty cool. We got a lot of cool places that we tried, too.
Did you all get free plates?
Banks Royale: We did. We got a couple of free plates.
What do you want to say to Keith Lee for the free food?
BR: Thank you so much, Keith, for the free food…
It’s really amazing what he’s doing. He allowed everybody to come in and eat as you wanted to, so that was very important. It was a community giveback event, and that’s always necessary and needed. I don’t expect it to come from anybody else but Keith.
Do you all have anything coming up?
BR: I am a professional women’s football player for the Atlanta Phoenix.
Our first game is on April 6 at 6 p.m. at Pebblebrook High School.
MR: We’re working with the community, as well.
BR: Come support us. We are here for the rest of the season, and we’re going for that championship.
