Viral Voorheesville Diner Laments Looming TikTok Ban
A Community Built on TikTok
The Supreme Court has upheld the federal law banning TikTok, effective Sunday, unless the China-based parent company sells the app. The decision poses a risk to national security, outweighing concerns about limiting speech and affecting the 170 million users in the United States.
A Small Business Built on TikTok
One of those 170 million users is Dylan Longton, owner of the popular breakfast spot, Pretty Alright Breakfast Club in Voorheesville, New York. Longton’s active TikTok stream has gained a massive following of 200,000, with users flocking from all over the country to visit his diner in the small village of 2,800 residents.
From Scrolling to Stepping into Reality
Longton’s journey began when he started posting cooking videos on TikTok, which quickly went viral. "I started throwing the camera above my pans," he said. "It absolutely blew up. I created an online community, and with the help of all of them, the encouragement, and the extra income you make through TikTok, it’ll help me to bring my business to reality."
A Community Born on TikTok
The diner’s US Map on the wall is filled with push pins marking the cities people have traveled from to visit the diner. One of those people was server and manager Leslie Baty, who moved from Utah after discovering Longton’s live stream. "I found myself watching more, and so one day I just tapped it and went in, and he had my heart from there," she said.
A Love Story Born on TikTok
Longton’s partner, Paige Von-Hemleb, also met him through TikTok. "You’re married or you’re together?" NEWS10’s Zion Decoteau asked. "Yeah, we’re just together. I wash his socks!" she joked.
The Pros and Cons of a TikTok Ban
When asked about the pending ban, most of Longton’s followers responded with a resounding "no." Longton himself echoed those sentiments. "It wouldn’t have a business if it was not for TikTok. I always kinda say, don’t worry about the things that haven’t happened yet."
The Future of Pretty Alright
Longton is exploring alternatives like Instagram and Facebook to promote his business, but he’s concerned that other small businesses will struggle without the free promotion provided by TikTok. "I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I’m sure we’ll be alright," he said.
Conclusion
The decision to ban TikTok poses a significant threat to small businesses like Pretty Alright Breakfast Club, which has built a community and found success through the platform. While Longton is confident that his business will thrive, he’s worried about the impact on other small businesses. The future of TikTok is uncertain, but one thing is clear: its influence has been felt in the lives of many, including those in Voorheesville.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the reasoning behind the TikTok ban?
The Supreme Court has upheld the ban, citing national security concerns due to the app’s ties to China. - How many users will be affected by the ban?
170 million users in the United States will be affected by the ban. - How will small businesses be affected by the ban?
Small businesses like Pretty Alright Breakfast Club, which have built a following on TikTok, may struggle to adapt to the loss of free promotion. - What alternatives is Longton considering to promote his business?
Longton is exploring Instagram and Facebook to promote his business, but is concerned about the impact on other small businesses.
