“We got the trademark,” said well-known barbecuer Walter Johnson, also known as “Mr. Tendernism” and “Unc.”
Johnson stole the hearts of many social media users with his passion for barbecue, which was on full display at Destination Smokehouse in Murrieta, CA. His presence and popular use of “Tendernism” led the establishment to go viral multiple times.
@destinationmurrieta Leave your teeth at home
Johnson also attracted the attention of food critic Keith Lee, who visited the restaurant in December 2025.
“For me, the standout is absolutely the oxtail, but pass the oxtail the standout is Unc,” Lee said in a TikTok video. “Not only in my opinion is it extremely hard to get people engaged like that, to show your true personality, to be yourself no matter how fast things take off in this space. I don’t think he intended for it to go the way it’s going. I think he just wants to show his love for food and his love for what it is that he doing.”
@keith_lee125 Destination Smoke House taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic
Lee shared in the video that he wanted to bless Johnson with a $5,000 tip during his visit, although he was unsuccessful as Unc had already left the restaurant that day, so Lee distributed some of the money to customers instead.
The video sparked controversy online and also led to news that although Johnson had become the face of the restaurant he was not an owner, according to a GoFundMe. Johnson had been involved with the establishment since 2020, when it began as a small coffee shop and had since enhanced its vision with his signature gumbo and barbecue, the page noted.
Johnson was reportedly fired after the video was posted, per the GoFundMe, but Destination Smokehouse owner Nick Yepremian claims Johnson was never asked to leave, in a video he shared on Instagram. Johnson has now embarked on a new journey “rooted in ownership, community, and lifting up small businesses that deserve the spotlight,” per the page. The fundraiser has since raised $58,918 of its $75,000 goal to relaunch “Mr. Tendernism” and his dream, according to the GoFundMe.
What’s more, it appears Johnson has officially secured the trademark for “Tendernism” from attorney Kenneth Harris. The Grio reported Harris filed two trademarks for the word in November 2025 on an intent-to-use basis but did not have the right to use it in commerce.
Now it appears Harris and Johnson are in “the process of bringing the Tendernism trademark home.” The pair met for a meeting, and Harris agreed to transfer the trademarks to Johnson, according to an Instagram video.
View this post on Instagram
“Things have been happening. God’s good. It wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for you … Long time coming, but time is here,” Johnson said.
Harris added, per Instagram:
“Well, I just want to thank you all for all that you’ve done for the community. You’re a magnificent inspiration to us. And it is time for our community to work together to do big things economically. And it is an absolute honor to begin the process of transferring those trademarks over for you because you deserve it. You created it, and you’ve created something very, very special for our community.”
This announcement is timely for Johnson’s next era, which will include the launch of his own food truck, the GoFundMe shared.
