A Message to Foodies and Restaurant Owners: Navigating the TikTok Ban with One Bite Foodie
- Joseph Haecker
- Jan 18
- 3 min read
Dear Foodies and Restaurant Owners,
By now, you’ve likely heard the news about the looming TikTok ban in the United States. For many of us, TikTok has been more than just an app; it’s been a stage to share our creativity, grow our communities, and connect with people who share our passion for food and storytelling. The potential loss of that platform feels deeply personal, and it’s frustrating to see politics disrupt something we’ve worked so hard to build.
Let me say this upfront: I don’t agree with the U.S. government forcing this ban. I don’t trust that there’s any actual “confidential information” involved, and even if there were, this doesn’t feel like the solution. But here we are, faced with the reality that TikTok could be gone, and many creators, businesses, and brands will need to pivot quickly.
The Story Behind One Bite Foodie
I want to share how One Bite Foodie came to life. It wasn’t designed to replace TikTok or to capitalize on moments like this. It began during a taco tour in Cancun last September while I was staying at the Nomad Experience hostel.
On the tour, there was this magical moment: the tacos arrived, and suddenly, the chatter stopped. Everyone ate in silence, completely immersed in the flavors. I told the tour volunteers they should record this—capture the reactions, the joy, the connection. Then they could upload it to their website and let us share our experience with our networks. They shrugged it off, but the idea stayed with me.
That night, I thought, Why not build this myself? Over the next month, I worked day and night in the hostel’s air-conditioned co-working space, creating what would become One Bite Foodie.
One night, I met a traveler who shared that she and her boyfriend used to be food influencers, traveling the globe and filming reviews. She said she might start again if she had the right tools. She even mentioned wanting to add a blog to create more content. That single conversation sparked a bigger vision: to create a platform where foodies and creators could not only share their passion but also monetize it, collaborate with restaurants, and grow their brands.
Why One Bite Foodie is the Better Alternative
If TikTok is going to be banned, I’m grateful that One Bite Foodie exists as an alternative. But this isn’t just “another platform”—it’s a community built specifically for the food and beverage world.
Here’s why it’s different and better for foodies and restaurants:
For Foodies
Monetization Made Easy: Whether you’re a seasoned food influencer or just starting, One Bite Foodie allows you to monetize your content, including videos, articles, and podcasts.
Tools to Grow Your Brand: You can launch a full-fledged food review business for as little as $4.99/month, complete with verified credentials that restaurants can trust.
Multiple Content Formats: Unlike TikTok, which focuses solely on video, we’ve combined features from TikTok, Medium, and Spotify. You can post videos, write in-depth articles, and even host podcasts—all in one place.
Global and Local Impact: Share your content with a global audience while also building connections with local restaurants and businesses.
For Restaurants
Collaborate with Verified Foodies: Our platform verifies food reviewers, so restaurants know they’re working with credible influencers.
The Perks Program: Restaurants can create exclusive offers to attract local influencers, turning them into ambassadors who help grow your business.
Customizable Content: Create and share your own content, from behind-the-scenes videos to menu updates, to engage your audience directly.
A Space to Thrive: In a time when many restaurants feel overshadowed by larger platforms, One Bite Foodie is designed to put your business front and center.
The Future of Food Content
One Bite Foodie was built with one goal in mind: to empower the food and beverage community. It’s not just a place to post—it’s a platform to connect, create, and collaborate. While I never set out to replace TikTok, I’m proud to offer an alternative that prioritizes the needs of foodies, influencers, and restaurants alike.
This moment, while challenging, is also an opportunity. The TikTok ban doesn’t have to mean the end of your hard work—it can be the beginning of something new.
Let’s Build This Together
I created One Bite Foodie because I believe in the power of food to bring people together. If you’re a content creator, restaurant owner, or foodie looking for a fresh start, this platform is for you.
I’m here to support you, and I’d love to connect further. If you’d like to learn more about how One Bite Foodie can help, or if you’d like to share your story, please reach out. Together, we can navigate this change and continue to grow our community—one bite at a time.
Warm regards,
Joseph Haecker
Founder, One Bite Foodie
onebitefoodie@gmail.com
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