With the looming threat of a TikTok ban, some small businesses in Arkansas are being affected and reconsidering their next steps.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – The popular social media app TikTok has evolved beyond mere entertainment for most users.
It has become a platform for small businesses to share their work and skills, like It’s Time to Eat restaurant in North Little Rock.
Craig Taylor’s culinary journey took an unexpected turn when his daughter posted her family meals on TikTok. The videos went viral in just 48 hours.
“I woke up the next morning, we were trending, 75,000 people were following us in a matter of 48 hours and we were very grateful for the media exposure,” Taylor said.
This viral success led to the opening of his restaurant, It’s Time to Eat, in North Little Rock. Taylor expressed her passion for cooking, stating, “I work probably 50 to 60 hours a week, but no, I don’t get tired of it because this is what I love to do. I love cooking and coming up with new ideas, creating new things.” “.
However, the platform that captured their delicious work faced disruption.
TikTok users experienced a rollercoaster of emotions last weekend when the popular app went down Saturday night after the Supreme Court upheld a ban forcing its parent company to sell or close.
On Saturday, around 170 million TikTok users saw a message warning of a possible shutdown. This situation left Chef Taylor and many other small business owners concerned.
“When you’re a small business, TikTok is a lifesaver, because it helps you spread the word about what you’re doing, it helps you reach new customers, new aspects. People see you all over the world,” Taylor explained.
However, that panic was short-lived. The app returned hours later, when users received a message that the app was back online.
“I’m just grateful that he’s back. Now I hope and pray that he stays. I don’t want to wake up next week and be gone again, so I’m just grateful for the opportunity to do what I love to do and do it with passion,” Taylor said.
Whatever the future holds, Chef Taylor says it won’t stop him from saying his famous line, “It’s time to eat.”