Walter 'Mr. Tendernism' Johnson Brings Culinary Joy and Cultural Legacy to Prince George's County
As he emerged from Ruby’s Southern Comfort Kitchen to greet a throng of adoring fans, Walter Johnson, affectionately known as Mr. Tendernism, performed a lively two-step while the crowd enthusiastically chanted "Unc!" His presence electrified the heart of Prince George’s County, a majority-Black community in Maryland, during a recent stop on his nationwide tour. Fans lined up eagerly on Saturday for a chance to capture a photo with the pitmaster-turned-online culinary sensation, whose unique drawl and charismatic personality have captivated millions.
"I’m hanging out like wet clothes," Johnson quipped, embracing the moment of his newfound fame. He coined the term "tendernism" in a viral video showcasing his impeccably smoked barbecue that slides effortlessly off the bone, symbolizing his approach to both cooking and life. "Let me tell you something about this cooking thang," he emphasized. "People have to have love for this. You don’t just wake up and cook this. If you ain’t got no love for what you’re doing, then it just might not be the job for you."
A Journey from Pitmaster to Viral Star
Johnson’s culinary path recently led him to Southern California, where he inspired coffee shop owner Nick Yepremian to pivot towards barbecue, transforming the establishment into Destination Smokehouse. Johnson’s engaging videos quickly attracted a devoted following, drawing celebrities and food influencers like Keith Lee to the Murrieta-based restaurant. However, in March, Johnson announced his departure from Destination Smokehouse due to a trademark dispute over the "tendernism" phrase, opting to forge his own path as an independent content creator and food reviewer.
Ken Harris, a Charlotte-based attorney, is currently assisting Johnson in securing legal ownership of "tendernism." This effort highlights a broader issue within barbecue culture, where Black Americans often receive inadequate recognition despite the cooking method's deep roots in their heritage. Historically, figures like Henry Perry, the "Father of Kansas City Barbecue," and Mary Jean, a renowned 19th-century pitmaster from Arkansas, have been frequently overlooked in mainstream narratives.
"I had to go on my own so that way I can do what I have to do," Johnson declared on social media. "I’m finna’ tenderize the world now." Since his viral breakthrough last year, he has made appearances on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show, amassed millions of views across various platforms, and was hired by R&B legend Ron Isley to cater his wife Kandy’s birthday celebration. Additionally, Prince George’s County Councilmember Jolene Ivey presented Johnson with a proclamation honoring his visit.
Embracing a Second Act and Spreading Love
Johnson, who humorously notes he is "closer to 80 than 60," wholeheartedly embraces his second career and dismisses any notion that age limits one's dreams. "You ain’t too old. I don’t know how to pronounce old. Get up out your seat and get on your feet, and put some motion to that notion," he urged. "You can still do anything that you want to as long as you put some effort behind it. Life is worth living."
According to county police, nearly 1,500 people of all ages gathered at the popular soul food restaurant for an opportunity to meet the internet’s beloved uncle. "He’s everybody’s uncle," remarked Keena Piersaint, a member of Johnson’s team. "Everybody can relate to him. Everyone has two or three of him in their family. It’s easy to support him."
Born in Gary, Indiana, Johnson has been cooking for over four decades across the United States. He began his career at his brother’s barbecue restaurant in Robbins, Illinois, where he honed his skills by cutting off wing tips. Preferring culinary arts over other trades like electrical or plumbing work, Johnson has traveled extensively, learning from various pitmasters. "I’ve been around this here United States and I’ve learned everything. I flipped it all together so I can put it together and have a swell piece of leather," he rhymed, reflecting on his experience. "I take pride in this right here. I want people to enjoy themselves."
Tenderizing Hearts Across the Nation
In his travels, Johnson emphasized the importance of understanding how pitmasters cook and season their meat. "My thing was to learn all the ingredients they put in their food so then I could come up with my own thang," he explained. "Once I figured it out, it all came together like two buttcheeks."
Johnson frequently expresses his goal to "tenderize the world"—spreading love and joy through delicious food. His nationwide tour has included multiple stops, such as meeting Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson at Wilma’s World Famous BBQ & Tavern, visiting Steve’s BBQ & Soul Food in Metro Atlanta, and hosting a pop-up event in Houston last month. Before arriving at Ruby’s Southern Comfort Kitchen in Maryland, he ensured each visit carried meaningful impact.
According to Joe White, Johnson’s manager, the pitmaster aims to make these engagements significant. In a recent video, Johnson visited Juci Jerk in Metro Atlanta to support the owners and boost business following their father’s passing. Upcoming plans include meeting a terminally ill man who wishes to cook alongside Mr. Tendernism. "We want to do [these visits] once or twice a month," White explained. "He likes to be with the people. He likes to meet and talk with people. His whole thing is tenderizing people’s hearts and making them soft, just like he does with meat."
"I’m trying to not only tenderize this meat," Johnson said, gesturing to his plate of oxtail. "I’m trying to tenderize the heart. We’d have more happiness, and not all this confusion and hating." He continued, "I have to help uplift you, and then you help lift that brother or that sister. That’s what we are supposed to do. If we do that, I guarantee we’ll have a better United States."
