Keith Lee: How a TikTok Food Reviewer Became a Champion for Small Businesses
Kim Anthony • December 30, 2025
When Keith Lee stepped onto the Hollywood Palladium stage to accept TikTok’s first-ever U.S. Creator of the Year Award, it wasn’t about fame. It was about proof. Proof that when everyday people use platforms with purpose, they can change the economic future of entire neighborhoods.
PULL-QUOTE
“I never in a million years thought I’d be standing on this stage.” — Keith Lee
Lee, known for his quiet humility and honest food reviews, has unintentionally become one of the most influential advocates for independently owned restaurants across the country.
His videos don’t shout.
They don’t perform.
They simply tell the truth — and people listen.
Lines grow. Registers ring. Doors stay open.
PLATFORM + PURPOSE
Lee’s rise didn’t just give him attention.
It gave him responsibility.
He describes TikTok not as a stage, but as a gateway:
- to elevate hidden gems
- to restore hope to small business owners
- to remind the internet that community matters
PULL-QUOTE
“TikTok gave me a platform to show small businesses around the country.” — Keith Lee
Even in the middle of the applause, Lee admitted something deeply human:
PULL-QUOTE
“It’s hard to do something for myself, because I always put other people first — but this is for me.”
Beside him was his wife, Ronni — the person who first encouraged him to start posting reviews.
One simple nudge became the spark that changed lives.
🔎 SIDEBAR:
Why This Matters for Our Communities
Keith Lee’s journey mirrors the heart of our work:
âž¡ Visibility creates opportunity
âž¡ Digital storytelling drives economic mobility
âž¡ Trust is a growth strategy
âž¡ Compassion can be an engine for commerce
This is enterprise with a conscience — and it works.
A NEW ERA OF INFLUENCE
The TikTok Awards — themed “New Era, New Icons” — highlighted creators using influence to shape culture, business, and connection.
Honorees included:
- Jeremiah Brown — Rising Star, expanding conversations around books & community
- Mariah Rose — MVP of the Year, bringing fresh voice to sports storytelling
Singer Ciara headlined the evening, celebrating the creators reshaping the way culture travels.
And in true alignment with Lee’s mission, host LaLa Anthony announced a $50,000 donation to Feeding America — linking recognition to real-world impact.
💡 SIDEBAR:
Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Take From Keith Lee
✔ Be honest. People trust authenticity.
✔ Focus on service — not spotlight.
✔ Use your platform to lift others.
✔ Let your values shape your visibility.
You don’t need millions of followers to make a difference.
You need integrity — and consistency.
BIGGER THAN AN AWARD
Keith Lee’s success isn’t a celebrity headline.
It’s a blueprint.
His work shows us:
- ordinary people can become economic catalysts
- purpose travels farther than popularity
- when community wins, everybody wins
He didn’t build influence for attention.
He built impact by paying attention.
And that is exactly the future we believe in — one where tech, storytelling, and heart come together to create opportunity
“When we use our voice to uplift others, everybody rises.”
Never Miss a Story.
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Washington, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) proudly announced the historic acquisition of the former Black Entertainment Television (BET) Campus, a 7.88-acre landmark once home to Robert L. Johnson’s groundbreaking media empire. With an investment of more than $38 million, USBC will transform this iconic site into the USBC Innovation Campus — The Epicenter of Business and Commerce. This monumental achievement marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the future of Black enterprise. The new campus will serve as a national engine for business growth, innovation, and community impact rooted in Washington, D.C., extending its influence nationwide. More than a milestone for USBC, the acquisition represents a transformational investment in the city’s economic future. It strengthens Washington, D.C.’s position as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural advancement, driving job creation, small business expansion, and generational wealth for years to come. For over 16 years, USBC has been the national voice of Black businesses. With this milestone, USBC enters a new era as the global voice of Black enterprise. Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., stated: “When I reflect on the journey of the U.S. Black Chambers over the past 16 years, I see a story of resilience, vision, and progress. This campus is the next chapter of that story — not just a building, but a living symbol of what happens when we claim our space, own our future, and build institutions that outlast us. The USBC Innovation Campus is about more than today’s entrepreneurs; it’s about ensuring that generations to come inherit a place where their ideas, voices, and businesses can thrive.”
Operation HOPE is proud to announce that U.S. News & World Report has named our Founder, Chairman and CEO, John Hope Bryant, one of its 2025 “Best Leaders in Business.” This annual recognition honors just 25 influential leaders across business, education, public service, and healthcare who embody the leadership qualities Americans value most. This year’s honorees include changemakers such as Mark Cuban, Dolly Parton, Sal Khan, José Andrés, Michael J. Fox, MacKenzie Scott , and others, alongside our own Chairman Bryant, recognized for his work to expand financial opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone. “Empathy, generosity, and belief in people.” “I am deeply honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report alongside so many extraordinary leaders,” said John Hope Bryant. “This distinction affirms the values that guide our work at Operation HOPE – empathy, generosity, and belief in the potential of every individual. Our team is committed to expanding financial opportunity, building financial resilience, and helping underserved communities take control of their economic future.” Bryant was selected based on leadership traits identified in a nationally representative survey conducted by The Harris Poll , including empathy, generosity, and humility. After the survey findings were published, visitors to the U.S. News website were invited to nominate leaders who embody those qualities. A panel of expert judges from diverse industries then reviewed submissions and selected the 25 honorees . Among 2025’s Best Leaders in Business Dario Amodei, Ph.D. , CEO & Co-Founder, Anthropic Mark Cuban , Co-Founder, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company; Entrepreneur; Star of NBC’s “Shark Tank” Judy Faulkner , Founder & CEO, Epic Systems Alison Moore , CEO, Chief Ron Vachris , President, CEO & Director, Costco Wholesale Corp. Chairman Bryant and his fellow honorees were recognized on November 18, 2025, at a special reception in Washington, D.C. “Empathy, generosity, and belief in people.” “I am deeply honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report alongside so many extraordinary leaders,” said John Hope Bryant. “This distinction affirms the values that guide our work at Operation HOPE – empathy, generosity, and belief in the potential of every individual. Our team is committed to expanding financial opportunity, building financial resilience, and helping underserved communities take control of their economic future.” Bryant was selected based on leadership traits identified in a nationally representative survey conducted by The Harris Poll, including empathy, generosity, and humility. After the survey findings were published, visitors to the U.S. News website were invited to nominate leaders who embody those qualities. A panel of expert judges from diverse industries then reviewed submissions and selected the 25 honorees. Among 2025’s Best Leaders in Business Dario Amodei, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder, Anthropic Mark Cuban, Co-Founder, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company; Entrepreneur; Star of NBC’s “Shark Tank” Judy Faulkner, Founder & CEO, Epic Systems Alison Moore, CEO, Chief Ron Vachris, President, CEO & Director, Costco Wholesale Corp. Chairman Bryant and his fellow honorees were recognized on November 18, 2025, at a special reception in Washington, D.C. Community Transformation Fueled by "Silver Rights" For more than three decades, John Hope Bryant has championed what he calls “silver rights”, or the right to financial literacy, access to capital, and economic dignity. Under his leadership, Operation HOPE has: Empowered more than 4 million individuals with financial coaching, credit and money management support, homeownership preparation, and small business guidance. Helped generate over $4.2 billion in economic activity in underserved communities. Built a growing network of HOPE Inside locations that bring trusted financial coaches directly into neighborhoods, workplaces, and branches where people live and work. This recognition from U.S. News & World Report underscores that the power of love-driven leadership rooted in service can transform lives and communities. Milestones like this are only possible because of partners, supporters, and friends like you who believe in our mission and stand with us as we work to expand financial opportunity for all. Together, we are proving that doing well and doing good are not opposites. They are the blueprint for building a stronger America.
iHeartMedia, the #1 audio company in America, announced today that it has extended its relationship with the culture-shifting multimedia mogul Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of iHeartMedia New York's Power 105's wildly popular and nationally syndicated hit radio show "The Breakfast Club," heard by over 7 million listeners monthly and founder of The Black Effect podcast network. One of the world’s most well-informed, authoritative and distinctive media personalities, Charlamagne Tha God has become a crucial and influential voice in American culture. Under the new multi-year agreement, Charlamagne will continue his uninhibited trademark interview style on the award-winning “The Breakfast Club” radio show, where he has long been recognized for his relentless effort to unveil truth by asking the questions audiences want to hear most, weekdays from 6-10:00 a.m. EST, as well as “Weekends with The Breakfast Club,” alongside co-hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious and Loren LoRosa . "When it comes to iHeartMedia, gratitude will always be my attitude. They’ve created space for me to grow not just as talent, but as an executive and true partner through The Black Effect Podcast Network,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “To say that I’m thankful is an understatement. iHeart is the biggest and best audio company on the planet and audio is the foundation on which the whole media conglomerate will be built. Podcasting, live events, TV/film and documentaries, the sky is the limit for where we are going; and radio will always be at the core of it. Here's to a new era of growth, impact, and prosperity.” “The Breakfast Club,” celebrating its 15-year milestone this month, has become the bullhorn for modern culture and is widely regarded as the most informative and entertaining top-rated contemporary Hip-Hop/R&B morning show today. Charlamagne Tha God and his co-hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Loren LoRosa are known for their unrivaled interviews with celebrities and recording artists. Esteemed guests who have appeared on the show include former President Barack Obama, former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Jay-Z, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, Future, 50 Cent, Lizzo, Will Smith, Alicia Keys and many more. The crew also hosts “Weekends with The Breakfast Club,” a 3-hour weekly program featuring a countdown of the top 20 songs on the charts and signature interviews. Charlamagne Tha God and “The Breakfast Club” were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020. “Charlamagne has been a transformative voice in audio, redefining what it means to create content that sparks dialogue and drives cultural change. Through The Breakfast Club and his growing podcast network, he’s amplified diverse voices, tackled tough conversations, and built platforms that continue to resonate with audiences nationwide,” said Rich Bressler, President & COO for iHeartMedia. "His influence has helped shape the future of audio and we’re energized by what lies ahead and appreciate his ongoing trust in iHeart.” Charlamagne Tha God was represented by Ted Chervin at CAA, with legal counsel provided by Loan Dang of Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang. Financial strategy and advisory were led by Humble Lukanga and Laura Rutebuka of Lifeline Financial Group. The agreement was developed in close partnership with Charlamagne’s longtime business partner Karen Kinney of KK Entertainment & Media. Additionally, iHeart and Charlamagne will continue to partner on the historic joint venture, The Black Effect Podcast Network -- the world’s largest podcast publisher dedicated to Black listeners, bringing together the most influential and trusted voices in Black culture for stimulating conversations around social justice, pop culture, sports, mental health, news, comedy and more. Launched in 2020 and curated by Charlamagne himself, The Black Effect has debuted 60+ shows -- generating 11 million monthly downloads and features a luminous roster of marquee talent and influential voices committed to enlightening, educating and entertaining audiences. Earlier this year, “The Breakfast Club” replay podcast -- which served as the flagship show for the launch of The Black Effect Podcast Network – surpassed one billion downloads, joining a very short list of podcasts to reach this impressive milestone. About Charlamagne Tha God Lenard “Charlamagne Tha God” McKelvey is a multimedia mogul, Radio Hall of Fame inductee, and New York Times bestselling author who has spent nearly two decades shaping American culture. He is the co-host of iHeartMedia’s nationally syndicated The Breakfast Club , heard by more than 7 million listeners monthly and widely regarded as the most influential Hip-Hop and R&B morning show in the country. Known for his fearless interview style, Charlamagne has led headline-making conversations that spark cultural dialogue and tackle tough, timely issues. He is the founder of The Black Effect Podcast Network, a joint venture with iHeartMedia and the world’s largest podcast network dedicated to Black audiences, which has launched more than 60 shows and reaches over 11 million monthly downloads. He also founded Southland Stories, a film production company created to spotlight authentic, impactful storytelling. Outside of media, Charlamagne established the Mental Wealth Alliance to advance mental health awareness and provide resources in underserved communities. About iHeartMedia iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with five times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information. Photo Credit: Prince Williams/Getty Images
