Lower than in the future after going public along with his intentions to take “tendernism” worldwide, Walter Johnson formally has the one factor many thought was deserved to him from the bounce: the trademark for “tendernism.”
In a video uploaded to Instagram on Tuesday (Mar. 4), Johnson was joined by Kenneth Harris, the person who had beforehand filed two logos for “tendernism” in November 2025 on an intent-to-use (ITU) foundation. Harris didn’t have any lawful use of the mark in commerce, which led to his assembly with Johnson.
“Issues have been taking place, God is sweet,” Johnson informed Harris. “It wouldn’t have occurred if it weren’t for you. And now take a look at it. A very long time coming.”
Harris thanked Johnson, calling him an inspiration to the neighborhood, and stated it was an “honor” to start the method of transferring the trademark to him.
“You deserve it, you created it,” Harris stated.
Within the video’s caption, Johnson informed his 230,000-plus Instagram followers how a lot the second meant to him.
“Household… this second means quite a bit to me,” he started. “We began the method of bringing the Tendernism trademark residence the place it belongs. God is sweet and I admire each certainly one of y’all that’s been supporting this journey. Booyah.”
Johnson arrange a GoFundMe web page following his departure from Vacation spot Smokehouse, elevating greater than $50,000. Whereas the web page alleges that Johnson was fired from the restaurant, Vacation spot Smokehouse’s Nick Yepremian addressed these claims in a video on Instagram, saying, “Walter was by no means requested to go away. The appliance to register the trademark for tendernism was not filed with out his data. Walter was an early supply of inspiration for me, and Tendernism was not filed with out his data.”
He added, “Walter was an early supply of inspiration for me and I’ve all the time been grateful for that. We’ve shared so many real moments collectively, speaking about barbecue and bonding over the craft that we each love. These moments have been stuffed with camaraderie and mutual respect. I’m pleased with Walter for having the braveness to go after his personal desires. It takes coronary heart. I respect anybody who chooses to construct one thing of their very own, and I want him nothing however the most effective.”
