Viral food influencer Keith Lee is putting his money where his mouth is and the first stop is the Asian-inspired restaurant Brooklyn Dumpling Shop.
The Tik Tok star, who boasts 17 million followers, has joined the brand as an investor, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued expansion.
Showcasing his love of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s flavor and business model, Lee marks this multi-year partnership as his first investment in any brand.
To kick off the partnership, on March 6, Lee will head to the Dallas, TX location for a pop-up appearance serving guests, and engaging directly with the community.
The first 100 guests in line will be gifted brand merchandise, with Lee promising to announce more details about the pop-up appearance on his TikTok, @keith_lee125.
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop will also be a featured vendor at Lee’s first-ever FamiLee Day, taking place on May 16, 2026, at UNO Lakefront in New Orleans. The one-day festival will include food experiences, live music, carnival rides, and a family obstacle course.
“It doesn’t cut corners on flavor”
The new partnership signifies an expansion for Lee, a former MMA fighter who battles with social anxiety.
“I was always written off as defiant when in reality I was dealing with my own anxiety and trying to figure out my thoughts. Being diagnosed helped my parents understand a little bit more,” Lee said in an interview with Forbes.
Known for his transparent, trust-driven reviews that consistently compel immediate consumer response, Lee has built one of the most influential food platforms in the world by championing brands he genuinely believes in.
“I’ve always believed that food brings people together, and that’s what stood out to me about Brooklyn Dumpling Shop. It’s creative, it’s accessible, and it doesn’t cut corners on flavor,” said Keith Lee in a statement.
His decision to invest in Brooklyn Dumpling Shop reflects a deep strategic alignment between brand and voice, his genuine love for the food, and long-term confidence in the brand’s product quality, leadership team, and scalable growth model.
With 22 operating locations, the partnership with Lee reinforces the brand’s commitment to enduring strength, thoughtful expansion, cultural relevance, and building long-term value for everyone involved.