Charleston Restaurant, Brown Dog Deli, Concerned Over Proposed TikTok Ban

Charleston Restaurant, Brown Dog Deli, Concerned Over Proposed TikTok Ban

In downtown Charleston, South Carolina, one business expresses its concern about the potential ban of the popular social media platform, TikTok. The owner of the Brown Dog Deli, Wes Denney, credits TikTok as a significant driver of their success, particularly in the uncertain climate following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of the TikTok Ban

A piece of legislation that could prohibit TikTok in the United States has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, leaving its fate up to the Senate. President Joe Biden has indicated that he would sign the bill into law if it reached his desk. However, the Senate appears to be in no hurry to pass the bill. Denney recently returned from an invitation to Washington, D.C., where he had conversations with lawmakers on the importance of TikTok to businesses like his.

TikTok and the Brown Dog Deli

Denney’s culinary establishment discovered a whole new avenue for growth on TikTok, a platform where they had significantly more success than on other social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. Wes explained that TikTok had not only offered his business a financial boost but has also provided a powerful platform for expressing the diverse voices of its user community.

From scripting and filming viral videos during quieter business hours, the Brown Dog Deli team transformed their experiences into a journey of overnight fame. Their most viral video has garnered 5.3 million views and 1.1 million likes, leading to a surge in footfall for the deli. The newfound popularity led to an increase in staff, kitchen expansion, and menu reorganization.

Appeal to Younger Customers

Leveraging TikTok has also brought a fresh influx of younger demographics to the restaurant. Staff members revealed that customers from different parts of the country come in claiming they found them on TikTok. The restaurant now offers a 10% discount to patrons who follow them on the platform.

The Uncertainty Ahead

While Denney hopes for a favorable resolution, there are concerns among the staff about how a potential TikTok ban might affect their ability to reach new customers. As it stands, the date for the Senate’s vote on the proposed TikTok ban is unknown.

Meanwhile, establishments like the Brown Dog Deli continue to navigate these uncertain times, highlighting the tangibly real impact of social media legislations on small businesses.