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Mr. Tendernism Walter Johnson is having a great time while Destination Smokehouse is apparently struggling.
Last week, Johnson started a GoFundMe claiming the restaurant fired him, which he helped make famous with his “Tendernism” catchphrase.
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.
After the backlash, fans have been sending in videos of Destination Smokehouse being empty.
😭 Destination Smokehouse is now Destination Ghost House ‼️ pic.twitter.com/66pE6k2bRb
— WOOK! (@madeyawook) March 8, 2026
While Destination Smokehouse is facing issues, Mr. Tendernism is hanging out with celebs like Ron Isley and Darius McRary of Family Matters.
🔥🚨DEVELOPING: Walter Johnson, “Unc” from ‘Tendorism’ is going viral after launching his own brand and serving his fall off the bone barbecue to R&B legend Ron Isley.
This comes after he was let go by his employer that trademarked the word ‘tendernism’ behind Johnson’s back.… pic.twitter.com/P8zO1caqeS
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) March 2, 2026