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A Houston rapper is vowing to help the viral “Tendernism” unc amid a rumored rift with his employer.
In the past year, Walter Johnson has gone viral with his “tendernism” catchphrase while promoting Destination Smokehouse’s BBQ in California.
Tendernism is unreal 😂👏 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ATD60PHv5L
— Wholesome Side of 𝕏 (@itsme_urstruly) November 9, 2025
Johnson and Destination Smokehouse owner Nick Yepremian have been close friends for years. Still, many believe Yepremian should have offered Johnson an ownership stake in the company, given Johnson’s role in driving business to the restaurant.
Last month, TikToker Keith Lee visited Destination Smokehouse and tried to give Johnson a $4,000 tip, but was turned away by restaurant employees who didn’t recognize him. There have also been unconfirmed rumors about who owns the trademark for the “Tendernism” catchphrase.
@noahglenncarter Security stopped Keith Lee from giving a $4,000 tip at destination smokehouse #keithlee #destinationsmokehouse #tenderism
Following the Keith Lee video, fans have pleaded with Johnson to leave Destination Smokehouse and start his own venture.
Earlier this week, Johnson, who only made videos under Destination Smokehouse, appeared to open his own social media page under the moniker “OfficialMrTendernism.”
“Come on my page, Official Mr. Tendernism, Walter Johnson, ya’ll come on down now, I’m the tendernism original. Not nobody else.”
@officialmrtendernism This is my official page. Stay tuned for what’s coming next. 🔥 #MrTendernism #OfficialPage #FoodInfluencer #ViralEats
Houston-based rapper Cartel Bo claims that Destination Smokehouse has fired Johnson, and he’s helping “unc” buy a food truck and monetize his brand by doing social media food reviews in the Texas area.
Bo believes the white owner of Destination Smokehouse used the elder black man for his own benefit without sharing the wealth.
“@officialmrtendernism I’ll buy u your own restaurant unc get up wit me. RIGHT NOW OR WHENEVER U READY. We Gotta Protect Our Ppl From These Colonizing ScumBags.”
“They use our people, and throw them away when they’re done”
Johnson’s new account has already gained over 70k followers, but he has yet to address any issues with Destination Smokehouse publicly.
Destination Smokehouse has posted only two videos since Bo’s allegations and has yet to address whether Johnson still works for the company.