OKC Business Sees Increase In Customers After TikTok Goes Viral

One local business is thanking TikTok for its recent uptick in customers.

It has been Midian Protama's dream to own his own place, and now he owns Rice N Buns in northwest Oklahoma City.

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

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

Bre Miller, an employee, said she has a habit of keeping a lookout for customers.

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

So Bre recorded him without him knowing the day before Christmas and put it on TikTok.

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

Almost 350 thousand 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."

Some days they even run out of food.

Protama said he didn't even know about the TikTok until last week.

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

But 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."

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