Keith Lee, the internet’s most influential food critic, is coming to the Bay Area for his next tour. And everyone is losing their minds.

Lee, a former MMA fighter who has collaborated with Mr. Beast, made the announcement Jan. 4 to his 15.6 million followers with a pimple patch on his chin and an impressive collection of Nikes in the background. “So if you or anybody you know has a great mom-and-pop shop that has great food and great customer service, but could use the marketing…DM me,” Lee said in a TikTok video.

Thousands of recommendations, and a lot of love for Lee’s brand as the everyday eater, flooded in. Followers recommended restaurants far and wide in the Bay Area, from San Francisco and Oakland to Fremont, Vallejo and San Jose. At the time of publication, the comments were up to 8,199 and climbing fast. 

“Mi Lindo Sinaloa in Fremont! Mom and pop restaurant with amazing Mexican food & seafood! Must try!,” djcookbeats wrote. 

“omg you have to go to Sofra Grill South San Francisco, it’s so good!!!,” said a fan who goes by bre.

They made pleas for their family businesses, Black-owned businesses and businesses that have been hit hard by crime.

“PLEASE GO TO MY DADS RESTAURANT CHEF SMELLYS! THE BEST CREOLE FOOD IN THE BAY LITERALLY! Black owned and family ran,” E’Layjiah said.

“Colonial Donuts in Oakland! they’re a small mom and pop donut shop that’s been open for a long time, but they’ve been robbed twice in 2023,” wrote thelittlegolds.

A positive review from Lee, who started posting videos in 2021 as a way to battle social anxiety, can make or break a small business. Lee, who usually reviews casual restaurants, often from his car, is known to sweep in just when a restaurant needs a boost.

Last month, he visited Dynamite Korean St. Food in Las Vegas after the restaurant’s matriarch lost her husband to cancer. At least 400 locals came to show their support. “The turnout for Dynamite had me so emotional,” wrote one fan, Ana Siguenza. “What a beautiful gesture showcasing community. I check their tik tok daily to see the love.”

Several restaurants had repeat recommendations, including Lucky Three Seven in Oakland, a restaurant that lost its owner to a shooting in 2023, and Papi Clary’s Kitchen, an eclectic American fast casual spot in Concord. 

“If there’s one place you go in the bay it needs to be papi clarys in Concord!!! I drive 30 plus minutes a week to visit. The BIRRIA LUMPIA is (fire emojis),” Kaylee 2.0 wrote.

They also gave Lee some friendly advice.

“Do not leave anything in your car. I mean anything when you are in the Bay Area,” said strangeNtwizted.

A request for comment to Lee was not returned in time for publication.