We’ve all heard the phrases “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” and “preparation meets opportunity.” Many of us have also heard the reminder to show hospitality to others, because you never know who you’re welcoming in. In today’s social-media-driven world, that idea carries new weight for business owners — because visibility can arrive at any moment, often when you least expect it.

That’s exactly what happened for 2 Valdosta Soul Food restaurants. While browsing YouTube, I was surprised to see a video from Yoki Stirrup, a creator with over 1.2 million subscribers who is well known for her firearm reviews and marksmanship content. She announced she was in Valdosta, Georgia and was doing a food review of Big Knicks Juke Joint — a new direction from her usual content. Over the years I’ve watched some of her videos, but I had no idea she had begun doing food-review road trips. She also reviewed King of R&B, giving both restaurants a moment in front of a massive audience. I won’t spoil the results, but one review was received very well and the other not so much — a reminder that exposure can be powerful, unpredictable, and impactful, and that every business benefits from being prepared for that moment when opportunity unexpectedly shows up.

Of course, I had to check the comments. As I was reading through the comments, one reply from Yoki about the food that didn’t meet her expectations stood out to me: “This channel is about honest reviews and experience. I am not the chef. The chef is responsible for ensuring that everything leaving their kitchen is prepared and cooked according to state and health department regulations. I’m simply sharing my experience with the public.” While it would be easy to bash the restaurant that disappointed her, I hope this review becomes a constructive lesson and an opportunity for them to address the issues and improve quickly.