Imagine going from crunching numbers at Verizon to critiquing culinary creations full-time. That’s exactly the journey Rashad Morton, better known as Mr. ChimeTime, has taken. His leap from a corporate job to becoming a viral food influencer is a story of resilience, passion, and a whole lot of honest opinions.
A Leap of Faith During Uncertain Times
Morton’s pivot to food reviewing wasn’t exactly planned. While working for Verizon, a company restructure significantly impacted his commission-based earnings, dropping them from a substantial $140,000 annually to just $49,000. Then, a bout with COVID-19 made returning to his corporate role even more challenging. It was during this period of uncertainty that Morton decided to pursue his love for food full-time, starting with simple videos of himself eating, recorded on his phone.
He didn’t just wing it; Morton invested his own money, spending about $1,000 a month on Facebook ads to boost his content and, crucially, to help local restaurants stay visible during the pandemic lockdowns. What started as a personal venture has now blossomed into a full-fledged business, complete with an editor, an assistant, and platform managers.
Honesty, Relatability, and Accountability
What makes Mr. ChimeTime’s platform so compelling? Morton believes it’s his relatability and unwavering honesty. He’s not afraid to call out restaurants that locals have been complaining about for years, viewing his platform as a tool for holding businesses accountable. “I think I’m relatable, right? So, like a lot of these, and it’s sad to say, but a lot of these restaurants do suck,” he explained.
His bluntness, while sometimes causing friction (he admits to judging food at family reunions, even upsetting his mother once), resonates with audiences. Morton emphasizes that businesses shouldn’t wait for him to visit their city to improve; they should prioritize pleasing their local customers. This commitment to genuine critique has earned him a loyal following.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Beyond his reviews, Morton has made philanthropy a significant part of his brand. He’s donated thousands of dollars to service workers, including a remarkable $13,000 tipping spree for DoorDash drivers in Dallas and support for Uber drivers in Charlotte. He understands the struggles many face, attributing his desire to give back to gratitude for his audience.
Morton continues to travel the country, sharing his candid thoughts on various food scenes (he’s notably ambivalent about New Orleans’ cuisine, despite loving their beignets). His influence has attracted major corporate partnerships with brands like KFC, Wing Stop, Taco Bell, and even his former employer, Verizon. Despite the success, Morton is mindful of social media’s volatility and is wisely investing his earnings into real estate, particularly short-term rentals, ensuring long-term financial stability. With a potential TV show on the horizon, this former salesman is proving that taking a leap of faith can lead to a career far beyond the traditional nine-to-five.
What do you think of Mr. ChimeTime’s journey? Have you tried any restaurants based on his reviews? Share your experiences in the comments below!
