Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is poised to get the Keith Lee effect. The growing Asian-inspired fusion brand known for its bites, bowls and boba announced Tuesday that the food critic has signed on as an investor, calling the partnership a “major milestone” in its ongoing expansion and cultural momentum. The move marks Lee’s first business investment.
Here’s what to know about the collaboration.
Lee will make a pop-up appearance at Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s Dallas location
To celebrate the collaboration, Lee will make a pop-up appearance at Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s Dallas location on March 6, with the first 100 in line receiving complimentary brand merchandise. Lee, who boasts more than 20 million followers across social media platforms, will share more information about his appearance on his TikTok account.
In addition to Lee’s pop-up appearance, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop will serve as a featured vendor in the food critic’s first FamiLee Day. The one-day festival promises food experiences, live music, carnival rides, and a family obstacle course at UNO Lakefront in New Orleans on May 16.
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Chairman and CEO Jeff Galletly said when envisioning a “dream addition to our broader team,” Lee was at the top of the list.
“Keith has built his reputation on great food, authenticity, and trust–which is what we’re all about,” he said in a statement. “When we connected with Keith’s team, it was then a dream come true to learn he loved our food and wanted to make us his first investment. It validated the strength of our brand, products, and long-term vision. As we continue to expand across North America, having a globally recognized partner who not only drives organic demand, but also understands taste, quality, and what consumers want, strengthens our value proposition for our team, fans, franchisees, retailers, and investors, and will allow more people to try our incredible food.”
The partnership is equally fitting for Lee, who praised the brand’s creativity and accessibility in a statement.
“Partnering with Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is about more than just great food, it’s about community, culture, and creating experiences people can enjoy and trust. I’m excited to be part of what they’re building and to help introduce even more people to something special,” he said.
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is known for its chef-curated dumplings and automat-style technology
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, launched in 2021 by hospitality innovator Stratis Morfogen (also the force behind Brooklyn Chop House Steakhouse), combines chef-curated dumplings with automat-style technology, Restaurant Business reported. The brand operates 22 locations across the U.S. and Canada, offering customers packaged goods as well as food service.
Lee joins a roster of high-profile investors that includes Shark Tank personality Kevin “Chef Wonderful” O’Leary, Stephen Ross and Matt Higgins of RSE Ventures, the New York Yankees and Patti LaBelle.