Keith Lee is getting ready for a special Thanksgiving this year. He will be spending the holiday with his brother for the first time in eight years after being released from prison. Lee, whose content focuses on food reviews and small business highlights, has also launched several initiatives for the holiday.
Thanksgiving is extra special for Keith Lee this year
Lee decided to keep this year’s Thanksgiving celebration small. He is planning a bigger celebration for Christmas as he plans on hosting family members who will be flying in from Illinois and California. Lee told People that he’s excited to spend time with his son and eat turkey. He and his wife, Ronnie, recently welcomed their third child, Kardigan Marcus, in September.
“You only eat turkey once a year,” Lee said. “I don’t even eat it when it’s not Thanksgiving.”
This year will also be the first Thanksgiving spent with his younger brother in eight years. Lee shared a video of his siblings and him picking up their brother from prison. Together, they shared his first meal after incarceration: Wingstop.
“He was my best friend growing up,” Lee said of the bond he shares with his brother. “Now to have a piece of us that I felt like was missing, I think it’s going to be extremely important.”
Thanksgiving is done potluck-style at Lee’s house and this year won’t be any different.
“I get the mac-and-cheese, and I get the greens,” he said of his yearly contribution. “So that’ll let you know who throws down when it’s time to throw down.”
He has yet to know what his brother plans on cooking, saying, “We’re going to find out together.”
@keith_lee125 First Day Out Wingstop taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic ♬ original sound – Keith Lee
Keith Lee is highlighting small businesses for the holidays
Lee recently joined Minnie’s Food Pantry for its 18th Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway in Plano, Texas. He participated in the distribution and contributed $12,000 worth of turkeys through his “A Familee That SNAPS Back” initiative, according to Complex. The event served over 4,200 families with turkeys and meals for the holiday.
Lee is also taking part in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 in collaboration with American Express. He already started highlighting small businesses that will be participating in the initiative on TikTok.
“It’s a reminder that it’s families behind the business,” Lee told People. “I think a small business to me — it’s never just a business. It’s a passionate love.”