Amici Restaurant Sees Surge in Popularity Following Viral Review

Amici, a new eatery located at 3933 N. Broadway, has experienced an unexpected boom in business after a favorable review by popular food critic Keith Lee. Known for his engaging TikTok videos, Lee sampled a variety of arancini, including unique flavors like Jerkicino and Currycino, and shared his experience with his 16 million followers. His review, posted on Tuesday, led to long lines outside the restaurant, with customers eager to try the now-famous rice balls. Owner Sciacca expressed his astonishment at the rapid increase in demand, noting that the restaurant sold out of arancini within hours of opening on Thursday. He described the overwhelming support from customers, who even celebrated the restaurant's success with high fives and fist bumps. Te'Ana Jackson, one of the many patrons drawn in by Lee's review, remarked on the sold-out status of the food but remained enthusiastic about the experience. In an interview with CBS News, Lee shared his motivation for creating food content, stating that he does it for his mother. His generosity was evident when he left a $3,000 payment for customers and a $1,000 tip for the restaurant. Sciacca highlighted Lee's unique approach to food reviews, noting that before the viral attention, Amici typically sold only 25 to 30 arancini daily. Lee's anonymity in ordering through an app allows him to maintain an authentic experience while supporting struggling businesses across the country.