A 23-second clip from Kees Loaded Kitchen in Portland, Oregon, has turned a simple food sale into an internet phenomenon. The video — showing the restaurant’s owner, affectionately known as Big Kee, sealing a cheesy spaghetti tray and sliding a crisp $100 bill into her apron — exploded online, sparking both laughter and debate.
Within 24 hours, the clip, originally posted by @rahsh33m, racked up more than 4.7 million views and 23,000 likes. The reason? Not just the food, but Kee’s undeniable charisma, humor, and confidence — the kind that turns a $100 price tag into a masterclass in selling both flavor and personality.
The $100 Tray That Broke the Internet
The viral video opens with Kee in her trademark red apron, confidently layering massive portions of creamy spaghetti into a foil tray, followed by greens and corn. The portion is generous — a mountain of soul food so big the tray nearly bends under its weight.
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“Put this in the fridge — you got three servings easy,” Kee tells the customer, sealing the lid with a flourish. Then comes the signature moment: a smooth, silent handoff of a $100 bill, tucked away like second nature.
The visual is powerful — part food show, part performance art. The internet called it “the most satisfying transaction of 2025.”
The Art of the Hustle: Big Kee’s Secret Ingredient
For Kee, every sale is a story. Her kitchen is loud, steamy, and full of laughter — an environment that feels more like a neighborhood cookout than a restaurant. She doesn’t need branding consultants or influencers. Her personality is the marketing strategy.
With no gloves, no filters, and no pretense, Kee embodies authenticity. She moves with the rhythm of someone who’s cooked for family her whole life — confident, unapologetic, and in total command of her craft.
“She’s not just selling food,” one commenter wrote. “She’s selling Kee. And that’s worth every penny.”
Fans Divide Over the $100 Price Tag
The internet’s reaction was immediate and intense. Some praised Kee’s confidence and portions, while others balked at the cost.
“$100 for spaghetti? That’s robbery,” one user complained. Another countered, “You can’t feed a family of four at Chick-fil-A for less than $60 — let her cook.”
Supporters argued that Kee’s food represents more than a meal. It’s labor, culture, and pride — the kind of homemade abundance that rarely comes cheap. Critics saw it as evidence of “luxury pricing” creeping into working-class cuisine.
Ironically, a look at Kees Loaded Kitchen’s Yelp reviews confirms that large platters have long been priced between $80 and $100 — meaning the viral tray was neither exaggerated nor out of character.
The Slide Heard ‘Round the Internet
The real viral spark wasn’t just the tray — it was how Kee took the money. That casual, one-handed slide of the $100 bill became meme-worthy in itself.
Users compared it to a grandma slipping cash into a grandchild’s palm or a hustler’s handshake of respect. Comments like “That’s not spaghetti, that’s a business model” and “She slid that money like a boss!” flooded social media.
Remixes soon followed — slow-motion edits, GIFs, and mashups synced to hip-hop tracks. In each, Kee’s handoff became a symbol of Black entrepreneurial finesse and community confidence.
Soul Food Stardom Meets Social Media
Kees Loaded Kitchen has been a local favorite for years, but national attention first arrived after TikTok food critic Keith Lee reviewed the restaurant earlier this year, praising both the flavor and the massive portions.
Now, with her latest viral hit, Kee has transcended Portland fame to become an emblem of small-business authenticity. Her brand isn’t about pristine plating — it’s about warmth, culture, and confidence.
Unlike many viral food creators, she isn’t performing. She’s just being herself — and the camera caught lightning in a bottle.
Critics Question Hygiene — Fans Defend Culture
Not all feedback was positive. Some online critics pointed to Kee’s bare-handed food handling, calling it “unsanitary.” Others quickly pushed back, saying the criticism felt culturally biased.
“Folks love to call soul food unprofessional,” one user wrote, “but never blink when a white chef dips his fingers in sauce at a farm-to-table pop-up.”
Fans also noted that Kee’s kitchen appears spotless, with gleaming counters and careful food prep. For them, it wasn’t about rules — it was about respect. “If you want sterile, go to Olive Garden,” one commenter quipped. “If you want soul, go to Kee.”
Why It Resonates — Relatability Over Perfection
Beyond the memes and debates, the video resonated because it felt real. Kee represents what people love about small, community-based businesses — honesty, hustle, and heart.
Her unshakable self-worth in charging $100 for her labor struck a chord. In a world where small creators are often undervalued, Kee flipped the script: she set her price unapologetically and let her quality — and confidence — justify it.
It’s not just about spaghetti. It’s about a woman saying, “My work is worth it.”
A Win for Portland’s Queen of Loaded Plates
The viral wave has only boosted her success. Lines outside Kees Loaded Kitchen have reportedly doubled on weekends since the video dropped. Locals have dubbed the phenomenon “The $100 Effect.”
And Kee? She’s keeping it cool. Between sealing trays and counting bills, she flashes that same easy grin that won the internet over. For her, the moment isn’t a controversy — it’s confirmation.
As one fan perfectly summarized online: “She’s not overcharging. She’s over-delivering.”
Whether you think $100 is too much or just right, Big Kee has made one thing clear: authenticity sells.
She’s cooking, she’s cashing out, and she’s reminding the world that sometimes, the sauce — and the swagger — are priceless.
