Okay, so it’s official – Mr. Tendernism and Destination Smokehouse have split ways. It’s been rumored for weeks, and now he’s confirmed it himself. As a big fan, I was hoping they could work things out, but it sounds like that’s not happening.
Walter Johnson announced on TikTok that he’s left the Murrieta, California, barbecue restaurant where he first became popular online.
Johnson gained popularity on TikTok and Instagram thanks to his energetic personality, memorable sayings, and satisfying slow-motion videos of perfectly cooked ribs and oxtail.
Mr. Tendernism confirms departure from Destination Smokehouse
In the video, Johnson addressed questions about whether he was still at the restaurant.
He clarified, ‘I’m not at Destination Smokehouse, I’m with Tenderism now. I had to make this move independently.’
He said with his usual positive attitude: “Don’t get upset, just keep moving forward, be happy, and thank God.”
After the news broke, a GoFundMe campaign started by Johnson’s manager, Joseph White, gained traction online. The fundraiser portrays Johnson as a well-known and cherished personality in California’s food world, and states that he was let go from the restaurant he played a key role in making successful.
The campaign aims to help Johnson start a food truck business focusing on barbecue and soul food.
Videos featuring Johnson became incredibly popular online, drawing a lot of attention to Destination Smokehouse. The restaurant, which started as a coffee shop but switched to barbecue, experienced a big increase in customers after clips of Johnson’s cooking demonstrations went viral on social media.
Things really started blowing up for Johnson back in January when Keith Lee, that popular food reviewer on TikTok, checked out Destination Smokehouse. It was like, overnight everyone was talking about the place!
Lee mentioned he wanted to meet Johnson in person and pay him after writing his review, but he was informed Johnson was busy filming and couldn’t meet.
On February 22nd, Keith Lee shared in a video that he’d connected with the chef who recently went viral, and they’re collaborating on a project. However, he told viewers they’ll have to be patient to find out what it is.
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2026-03-05 00:18