Official Mr Tendernism/Instagram
Walter Johnson officially has the trademark for ‘Tendernism’ after falling out with the Destination Smokehouse restaurant.
Earlier this week, Johnson revealed that he had parted ways with the restaurant that he helped made famous with his viral ‘Tendernism’ catchphrase.
“I’m not at Destination Smokehouse,” Johnson said on TikTok. “I’m with ‘Tendernism’ now. I had to go on my own so that way I can do what I have to do … It is what it is. You got to move on. When things happen, you don’t get mad. Hey, you just take another step. Get glad. Praise the Lord you’re still living. I’m going to tenderise the world now.”
@officialmrtendernism Family, I appreciate the support!🎥🔥 #Tendernism #mrtendernism #movefoward #blessed
According to Johnson’s GoFundMe, he was fired by Destination Smokehouse, and is now attempting to start his own venture.
Via GoFundMe
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. Walter isn’t just tasting ribs — he’s building a platform that celebrates small businesses and turns viral moments into lasting impact. “That’s Tendernism” is back — and this time, it belongs to him.
On Tuesday, Johnson revealed that he had been able to procure the trandemark for ‘Tendernism’ thanks to the help of North Carolina lawyer Kenneth Harris.
Via Yahoo Finance
However, when it came to filing a trademark application with the United state Trademark Office, a North Carolina-based attorney named Kenneth Harris, beat Diamond Smokehouse and Johnson to the punch. On Nov. 21, 2025, attorney Kenneth Harris filed two trademark applications for TENDERNISM, both on an Intent-to-Use (ITU) basis:
🔥🚨BREAKING: Mr. Tendernism just announced he now has ownership of the trademark for his catchphrase.
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) March 4, 2026