Pearland eatery owner to famed TikToker who gave glowing review: 'You are changing lives in real time'

TikTok food influencer Keith Lee has a well-known knack for boosting the fortunes of eateries he visits. A recent beneficiary of this phenomenon is The Puddery in Pearland, which was struggling financially until Lee paid an unannounced visit as part of his Houston tour. Since November 28, owner Janel Prator has witnessed a surge in patronage at her shop located at 5517 Broadway.

Prator expressed her gratitude towards Lee in a December 7 social media post, saying, "I’m just up reflecting on how far I’ve come and how someone (Keith Lee) saw my vision and decided to bless me without asking for anything in return." She further extended her thanks directly to the TikTok star, stating "@keith_lee125 I thank you for what you did for me and what you’re doing for others."

As reported by Houston NBC affiliate KPRC News, The Puddery's latest influx of customers were keen to sample the dishes that had captivated Lee. Prator informed the station that people waited up to two hours on December 9. "I’m feeling grateful," she admitted, according to the report. "I’m feeling happy, I’m also feeling tired, but I am grateful."

In addition to repeatedly praising and thanking Lee, Prator shared with KPRC about a health scare she had recently experienced that seemed to be nothing more than muscle strain in her arm. "Mixing too much pudding," she humorously explained.

According to a report from Houston National Public Radio (NPR) station KUHF News, The Puddery is among several Houston-area eateries that have earned Lee’s endorsement. These include Butter Funk Kitchen, Cool Runnings Jamaican Bar & Grill, Mezza Grille, Stick Talk, The Better Box, The Breakfast Klub and The Waffle Bus. KUHF also reported that Lee rated The Puddery a commendable 9 on a 10-point scale.