Local Business Goes Viral On TikTok

One local business is thanking TikTok it for it's recent uptick in customers.

Midian Protama said his dream was to own his own place, and now he owns Rice N Buns in Oklahoma City.

Since they opened in November of 2021, Protama said business has been up and down.

"We've been struggling to get the customers," Protama said. "We couldn't get our name out there or do some advertising because [of] the budget that we have."

Bre Miller, an employee at Rice N Buns, said he has a habit of keeping a lookout for customers.

"I see him looking out the window every day," Miller said. "It just breaks my heart that we don't get enough business"

On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, Bre recorded him without him knowing and put it on TikTok.

"I didn't expect anyone to notice it," Miller said.

Almost 350,000 views later, with thousands of comments, likes and shares, their social media engagement is turning into customers.

"It turned the place around," Protama said. "It's like day and night right now."

Protama said some days they even run out of food, and that he didn't he didn't even know about the TikTok till last week.

"I'm not a big social media guy," Protama said.

Protama said he doesn't care about the views, he just hopes they keep this momentum and serve the community well. He also said they're going to need some help with the new demand and are looking for a line cook and cashier.

"There's only three of us that work here," Protama said. "So we're trying our best and we're hoping we can find some more help."

Protama said they're thankful for everyone who has come out to support the business, and they hope they keep on coming.