Self-proclaimed social media food influencers are getting backlash online from locals who believe they made fun of a 68-year-old Black-owned barbecue restaurant in Central Texas. The now viral video is sparking an all too familiar conversation on gentrification issues in Austin.
A few days ago, TikTokers @foodreviewdudes posted a vlog visiting Sam’s BBQ in East Austin as part of their “Only Eating at Sketchy Restaurants in Austin Texas” series. TikToker Brennen Taylor began the video saying, “you know we had to do barbecue on a Texas sketchy episode and this place might take the cake.”
As the video continues, the pair talk about the exterior of the building before showing the inside. Taylor’s brother, Jake, behind the camera said, “The sign’s gonna fall on your head” and Brennen responded saying, “I don’t even think I’ll get a lawsuit from this type of place.”…