The power of social media to transform small businesses has never been more evident than in the story of The Puddery. When TikTok food critic Keith Lee, who commands an audience of over 17 million followers, visited this modest Pearland dessert shop in November 2023, owner Janel Prator’s life changed overnight. Lee’s glowing review of her banana pudding as “the best he’s ever had” triggered a tidal wave of customers that forced the shop to temporarily close just to regroup. This remarkable journey from AT&T technician to celebrated dessert entrepreneur showcases how authentic talent combined with the right exposure can catapult a small business to extraordinary heights.
The Viral Review That Changed Everything
In the competitive world of dessert shops and bakeries, standing out requires either massive marketing budgets or a stroke of luck. For Janel Prator, that luck came in the form of Keith Lee, the TikTok food critic who has built his reputation on honest, unfiltered reviews of often overlooked food establishments. When Lee visited The Puddery in November 2023, he didn’t just enjoy the experience—he was genuinely blown away.
The original banana pudding earned a stellar 9/10 rating, while the strawberry banana variation scored even higher at 9.2/10. What makes Lee’s endorsement so powerful isn’t just his massive following but the authenticity that radiates through his content. Unlike many influencers, Lee pays for his meals and often tips generously—in Prator’s case, a jaw-dropping $2,000.
The immediate aftermath of Lee’s review was both a blessing and a challenge. “They were boomin’, so much so that they got two locations now,” Lee later commented, reflecting on the transformation. The sudden influx of customers was so overwhelming that The Puddery had to temporarily close its doors just to reorganize and scale up operations.
Prator’s family quickly mobilized to help manage the demand, turning what had been a relatively small operation into a full-fledged family business. I’ve seen this pattern repeat with other food establishments that receive Lee’s endorsement—it’s not just increased sales but a complete business transformation.
From AT&T Technician to Dessert Shop Owner
Janel Prator’s journey to culinary recognition wasn’t a straight path. Before becoming the owner of The Puddery, Prator worked as an AT&T technician—a far cry from the food industry. Her transition represents the growing trend of career-changers finding success in the culinary world, particularly through specialized niche offerings.
The Puddery actually began its life as a food truck, testing the waters of Pearland’s dessert scene before unfortunately having to close. Many entrepreneurs might have given up at this point, but Prator’s determination led her to reopen during one of the most challenging periods for food businesses—the pandemic. This resilience in the face of rising costs in the industry showcases the grit needed to succeed.
Located at 5517 Broadway St, Pearland, Texas, The Puddery has built its reputation on quality and variety. With over a dozen flavors available, the shop has created something for every palate. Beyond the signature banana puddings that caught Lee’s attention, they’ve even added a “Keith Lee Croffle” to honor the critic who changed their trajectory.
The shop now actively participates in local food truck events and offers catering services, expanding its business model significantly. What started as a passion project has evolved into a multi-faceted business with an established local following that continues to grow through word-of-mouth and social media.
The “Keith Lee Effect” in Action
The phenomenon known as the “Keith Lee Effect” has become legendary in the food industry, with businesses seeing lines around the block after receiving his endorsement. For The Puddery, this effect manifested in multiple tangible ways beyond just increased customer traffic. Within months of Lee’s review, Prator had purchased a food trailer, moved to a larger brick-and-mortar space, and even opened a second location.
This rapid expansion illustrates how viral exposure can compress years of normal business growth into mere months. The food trailer purchase, in particular, represents a savvy business decision, allowing The Puddery to participate in events and build brand recognition throughout the region. For small businesses looking to promote their dessert shop effectively, this showcases the value of mobility and community presence.
The family involvement aspect of The Puddery’s growth story isn’t uncommon among businesses that experience sudden viral success. When demand spikes unexpectedly, trusted family members often become the most reliable source of immediate help. Prator’s ability to quickly mobilize this support system proved crucial in capitalizing on the momentum rather than buckling under the pressure.
What makes The Puddery’s response to viral fame particularly impressive is that they maintained quality while scaling up—something many businesses struggle with when faced with sudden demand. The consistency in product quality has ensured that customers who arrive because of the hype stay for the exceptional desserts.
$50,000 Grant: Supporting The Next Chapter
The Puddery’s remarkable journey reached another milestone on March 26, 2025, when Keith Lee returned with an extraordinary surprise. In partnership with Toast, a restaurant point-of-sale system, Lee awarded Prator a $50,000 grant plus one year of free Toast service. This substantial financial boost is specifically intended to support The Puddery’s move to an even larger location, enabling further growth.
This grant represents more than just financial assistance—it’s a vote of confidence in Prator’s business acumen and product quality. The partnership between Toast and Keith Lee exemplifies how technology companies and influencers are creating new avenues of support for small businesses in the food industry. In addition to The Puddery, two other restaurants will receive similar awards, with a third to be chosen through social media submissions.
Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of this initiative is the $25,000 prize for the person who nominates the chosen restaurant through social media. This clever approach not only generates excitement and engagement but also encourages people to become active advocates for their favorite local establishments. The ripple effect extends far beyond the businesses receiving grants, creating community conversations about deserving local restaurants.
For aspiring dessert shop owners, this story highlights the importance of creating products worthy of such advocacy. Even before Lee’s visit, The Puddery had built a base of loyal customers who believed in the quality of Prator’s creations. Finding your bakery’s unique identity and signature offerings can create the foundation for such devoted customer support.
Creating a Dessert Destination
What sets The Puddery apart in a crowded dessert marketplace is its focus on creating exceptional versions of a classic American dessert. Rather than offering a wide range of different desserts, Prator has chosen to perfect one category—pudding—and offer numerous creative variations. This strategic specialization has allowed The Puddery to become synonymous with quality pudding in the region.
The shop’s menu includes creative spins like the Original Banana Pudding that started it all, Strawberry Banana Pudding that earned Lee’s highest rating, and specialty items like the Keith Lee Croffle that commemorate their most famous customer. By creating a menu with both reliable classics and novelty items, The Puddery balances familiarity with excitement—a formula that keeps customers returning.
The Puddery’s success also demonstrates how dessert cafés can transform from merely selling sweet treats to becoming cultural gathering places. While American dessert culture differs from the café traditions of other countries, The Puddery has created a community hub centered around a beloved dessert. The shop’s growth from a single location to multiple outlets shows how deeply this concept resonates with customers.
For food entrepreneurs, The Puddery offers valuable lessons in brand development. The consistent visual presentation, quality ingredients, and memorable name all contribute to a cohesive brand that stands out in a competitive marketplace. Even their website (thepuddery.com) reflects this thoughtful branding approach, making it easy for new customers to find and engage with the business.
The Friendship Behind the Business Success
Perhaps the most touching aspect of The Puddery’s viral success story is the genuine friendship that has developed between Keith Lee and Janel Prator. When awarding the $50,000 grant, Lee’s words revealed the depth of this connection: “You deserve it more than what the word ‘deserve’ means. I’m honored to call you my friend…” This sentiment goes beyond typical influencer-business relationships, showcasing authentic human connection.
Lee’s continued support of The Puddery extends beyond his initial review. By pinning the review on both his Instagram (@keith_lee125) and TikTok (@keith_lee125) accounts, he’s ensured ongoing visibility for the business. This long-term advocacy has created a sustainable flow of new customers rather than just a temporary surge.
The story of The Puddery illustrates how social media has fundamentally changed the landscape for small food businesses. In previous eras, a dessert shop in Pearland, Texas, might have remained a beloved local secret regardless of quality. Today, exceptional products can gain national attention through the right social media exposure, creating opportunities for expansion that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago.
For Janel Prator and The Puddery, this journey from AT&T technician to celebrated dessert entrepreneur demonstrates the power of following your passion and executing it with excellence. When exceptional talent meets the right opportunity for exposure, the results can be truly transformative, inspiring food entrepreneurs everywhere to keep perfecting their craft in hopes of their own breakthrough moment.