Destination Smokehouse’s viral pitmaster Walter Johnson Sr. — better known online as “Mr. Tendernism” or “Unc” — is officially moving forward on his own after a blowup over who gets to own the catchphrase that helped turn the Murrieta, California BBQ spot into a social-media magnet. The latest twist: Johnson says the Tendernism trademark is now his!

In a new video shared online, Johnson appears seated with trademark attorney Kenneth Harris and announces that he officially owns the Tendernism mark, thanking his online community for supporting him through the controversy.

Johnson first went viral in 2025 for his “tendernism” bit — the kind of slow-motion rib pull where the meat slides clean off the bone — and fans quickly started treating him like the face of the restaurant. The buzz only got louder after big creators tapped in, including Jordan Thee Stallion and food critic Keith Lee.

Behind the scenes, “TENDERNISM” became the center of a trademark tug-of-war involving Destination Smokehouse’s business entity (Diamond Smokehouse Enterprises) and North Carolina trademark attorney Kenneth Harris, who filed for the mark in November 2025 before the restaurant’s filings became part of the public conversation.

Earlier this week, Johnson had confirmed he’s no longer with Destination Smokehouse, saying in a widely shared clip on his Instagram, “I had to go on my own…” Online chatter about claimed Harris was handing over the trademark to Johnson, but at the time neither side had confirmed it. Johnson’s new video with Harris appears to settle that question.

Meanwhile, Destination Smokehouse owner Nick Yeprinian posted his own video addressing the backlash. Yeprinian insisted Johnson “was never asked to leave,” and said the application to register the Tenderism trademark “was not filed without his knowledge.” Yeprinian also praised Johnson as “an early source of inspiration,” describing their past relationship as one rooted in camaraderie and mutual respect.

Since stepping away, Johnson has already started leaning into private work — including celebrity catering appearances fans clocked online, like cooking for Ronald Isley — as he builds “Tendernism” into a brand that’s his, on and off the grill.