Viral food critic Keith Lee surprises Conyers pizzeria with $50K award

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Keith Lee on the Featured Session “Mastering the Art of Influencer Entrepreneurship” within the Austin Conference Heart in the course of the SXSW Convention & Festivals on March 7, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Picture by Renee Dominguez/SXSW Convention &

CONYERS, Ga. – A beloved pizzeria in Conyers has obtained a nationwide highlight — and a $50,000 enhance — because of viral TikTok meals reviewer Keith Lee and restaurant tech firm Toast.

What we all know:

Sharpiros Pizzeria, identified not only for its Buffalo-style pies but additionally its unwavering group assist, was chosen because the nationwide winner of a marketing campaign recognizing eating places that embody the spirit of service. The award, backed by Toast, celebrates eateries that “know it’s the little things that count.” Sharpiros rose to the highest from amongst submissions throughout the nation.

Lee personally shocked the homeowners with the $50,000 examine earlier this week, praising their efforts past the kitchen.

What they’re saying:

“What stood out wasn’t just the food,” Lee mentioned. “This place is a pillar of the community — from mentoring local kids to rewarding students for academic achievement with free pizza.”

Sharpiros’ group work consists of its “boy discipline” mentorship program for youth rising up with out fathers. The restaurant additionally presents college provides, meal help, and a ten% low cost to first responders, lecturers, and authorities staff. Thrice every week, they maintain $500 buyer giveaways, and leftover meals is donated to the unhoused.

The nomination got here from a neighborhood supporter, Tany B, who known as the restaurant a “community hub.”

“The owner is always present with a big smile and willing to support any idea to uplift others,” she wrote in her submission.

Sharpiros can also be acknowledged for its revolutionary menu, with standout pizzas just like the jerk oxtail pizza, Michael Angelo Supreme, spicy shrimp pizza, and a Philly cheesesteak-inspired “Renaissance.” Different choices embrace hoagies, fried fish, Italian fried rice, and a full dessert lineup that includes fried Oreos and purple velvet cake.

Whereas Sharpiros obtained the highest prize, Lee additionally awarded $5,000 every to 2 different Georgia eating places — together with The Wing Suite in Lawrenceville — as a part of his broader mission to highlight under-recognized eateries.

The backstory:

This isn’t Lee’s first time making an influence in Georgia. In 2023, he visited Tacos y Mariscos Ofelia in Warner Robins, the place he paid the restaurant’s hire for 3 months and donated $900 at no cost meals after studying the enterprise was struggling.

Lee’s presence in Atlanta has drawn consideration earlier than. Final yr, he publicly ranked Atlanta on the backside of his nationwide meals metropolis listing, citing poor service and order difficulties. The backlash included on-line threats towards each the eating places and Lee’s household.

Although he canceled a deliberate “Redemption Tour,” he returned quietly in April to provide away meals at a neighborhood pop-up. 

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What’s subsequent:

Lee can also be scheduled to look at Blavity Fest, a two-day celebration of Black tradition and innovation, going down Could 31–June 1 at Lee + White in Atlanta.

Blavity Fest will function audio system and performers together with 2 Chainz, Kirk Franklin, actress Marsai Martin, podcast host David Shands, Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, and Mayor Andre Dickens. For tickets and extra data, go to blavity.com/events/blavity-fest.