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It appears that the Tendernism drama is taking a toll on Destination Smokehouse.
Earlier this week, Walter Johnson, who helped make the restaurant go viral with his “Tendernism” catchphrase, launched a GoFundMe page claiming the company fired him.
Walter was ultimately fired from the restaurant he helped make famous.
But Walter’s story doesn’t end there. He’s launching his own food truck, where he’ll showcase his signature barbecue and soul food creations, giving fans the authentic flavors and larger-than-life energy they fell in love with. He’ll also travel city to city, reviewing small, locally owned BBQ and soul food restaurants — spotlighting hidden gems, driving foot traffic, and helping hardworking entrepreneurs grow their businesses. More than food, it’s about community, culture, and ownership.
Destination Smokehouse owner Nick Yepremian admitted to attempting to trademark the “Tendernism” catchphrase, but denies firing Johnson.
Walter was never asked to leave. The application to register the trademark for tendernism was not filed without his knowledge. Walter was an early source of inspiration for me, and I’ve always been grateful for that.
Comedian Godfrey would later go viral for calling fans to boycott the restaurant over the treatment of Johnson.
This man, Walter Johnson, aka Mr. Tendernism, said he’s no longer with Destination Smokehouse. I feel sorry for him man. You can hear the pain in his voice. He did so much for this owner. He sacrificed himself, and this dude played him! Anybody who looks like me we gotta stop supporting Destination Snokehouse. We’re gonna support Walter Johnson! There’s enough of us around the country to make it happen. We got your back!
@godfreyfunny This man Walter Johnson, aka Mr. Tendernism, said he’s no longer with Destination Smokehouse. I feel sorry for him man. You can hear the pain in his voice. He did so much for this owner. He sacrificed hisself and this dude played him! Anybody who looks like me we gotta stop supporting Destination Snokehouse. We’re gonna support Walter Johnson! There’s enough of us around the country to make it happen. We got your back! #DestinationSmokehouse #Barbeque #WalterJohnson Get your tickets to see me live! GODFREYLIVE.COM
Social media shows Destination Smokehouse apparently looking empty in recent days following the controversy.
@liv_leaa Completely empty #tendernism #destinationsmokehouse #unctenderasim #barbecue
Look at god! pic.twitter.com/dpbUKF5wxf
— Mike_the 🐐 (@Youngm831) March 6, 2026