Independence Insurance Agency

Learn How the Commercial

Trucking Insurance Experts at Independence Agency

Can Save your Company Thousands of Dollars!

Get A Quote

Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Warner Robins, GA

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

Service Areas

percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Warner Robins, GA You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Warner Robins, GA

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Warner Robins, GA

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Warner Robins, GA

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Warner Robins, GA

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

phone Call Now
 Trucking Insurance Warner Robins, GA

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
phone Call Now
 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Warner Robins, GA

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

phone Call Now
 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Warner Robins, GA

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Warner Robins, GA phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Warner Robins, GA phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Warner Robins, GA phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Warner Robins, GA that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Warner Robins, GA

Latest News in Warner Robins, GA

Dead roach in batter, improper food temps. Warner Robins restaurant fails inspection

A dead roach inside batter near the fryers and improper storage and temperature control for food safety contributed to a Warner Robins restaurant failing its routine health inspection in September.Super Bowl Wings at 1244 Watson Blvd. scored a 63 for a failing grade of “U” for unsatisfactory compliance at its Sept. 6 routine inspection, according to what’s reported in the state health department’s online portal....

A dead roach inside batter near the fryers and improper storage and temperature control for food safety contributed to a Warner Robins restaurant failing its routine health inspection in September.

Super Bowl Wings at 1244 Watson Blvd. scored a 63 for a failing grade of “U” for unsatisfactory compliance at its Sept. 6 routine inspection, according to what’s reported in the state health department’s online portal.

The restaurant bounced back at its required follow-up inspection Sept. 11 with a score of 91 and a grade of “A” for food safety excellence.

Multiple factors contributed to Super Bowl Wings’ failing grade, including several boxes of raw chicken being stored above a container of honey and sweet tea, according to the routine inspection report.

Raw animal foods should be stored away from ready-to-eat foods to protect from cross contamination, the report said.

A bulk container of raw chicken wings near the fryers was under the proper temperature required for food safety, according to the report.

In addition to a dead roach seen inside batter near the fryers, several fly sticky traps with dead flies were seen throughout the main kitchen, the report said.

Numerous containers of cooked chicken and sweet and sour chicken inside the reach-in cooler and walk-in cooler were not date marked. Date marking is required for food safety, according to the report.

The walk-in cooler had no lighting as required, the report said.

Several boxes of food were stored on the floor inside a walk-in freezer, according to the report. Food is required to be stored on a shelf at least six inches above the floor to protect from potential contamination.

The restaurant failed to have a person in charge on the premises to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, the report said.

Several single use cups without a straw or lid were seen in the prep space throughout the kitchen, according to the report. The cups should have been covered with a lid and a straw used.

A rear hand washing sink for employees had no paper towels, and no hand soap was available in the men’s restroom, the report said.

An outside grease receptacle was left open when it should be kept closed, according to the report.

Raw meats and cooked food products were found on the ground by a trash dumpster, according to the report. A trash receptacle should be used to prevent a potential rodent harborage problem

The restaurant, which opened earlier this year, scored a 96 and received an “A” at its only other routine inspection on May 8, 2024.

Meanwhile, most restaurants, coffee shops, bars and food trucks in Houston County earned “A’s” during routine inspections for the reporting period of Sept. 1 to Sept. 30.

Also, five restaurants earned “B’s” for “satisfactory compliance” and a half-dozen received “C’s” for “marginal compliance.”

Here are those with perfect scores by areas within the county:

First ever Warner Robins Burger Week announces winners

23 restaurants and businesses in Warner Robins faced off for a full week to prove who had the best burger Author: Owen Warden Published: 3:57 PM EDT October 2, 2024 WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The results are in from the inaugural Warner Robins Burger Week.23 different restaurants competed from Sept. 22 to Sept. 28 for an opportunity to be crowned Warner Robins' inaugural crowd favorite burger. Each restaurant was challenge...

23 restaurants and businesses in Warner Robins faced off for a full week to prove who had the best burger

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The results are in from the inaugural Warner Robins Burger Week.

23 different restaurants competed from Sept. 22 to Sept. 28 for an opportunity to be crowned Warner Robins' inaugural crowd favorite burger. Each restaurant was challenged to create a delicious and unusual burger to capture the hearts of Warner Robins residents.

These same residents were encouraged to try as many as possible to enjoy the wide array of cuisines and flavors Warner Robins has.

On Wednesday, the City of Warner Robins announced that "Props Steak and Seafood" received enough votes for first place and won the People's Choice Award. The restaurant put out a message on their personal Facebook.

"We’d like to thank all of you who participated," the post said. "You’re the real MVPs (Most Valuable Patty-eaters)! We couldn’t have done it without all of you who tasted, voted, and probably unbuttoned your pants a little after our burgers. We’re beyond grateful (and so are our grills)! Thank you for making us #1 — we promise to keep the buns toasty and the burgers juicy!"

Props offered "The Crunch Burger," which was a hand-ground beef patty with a blend of chuck, brisket and short rib. It was topped with American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, a burger sauce and homemade potato chips for the "crunch" aspect.

The City of Warner Robins announced Tap and Pour finished second. Their "Southwest Smash" burger had both an Angus beef and a chorizo pork patty. The burger was topped with American, pepper jack and a queso-style cheese, crispy onion rings, guacamole, a chipotle aioli and their special comeback sauce.

Black Barley Kitchen & Taphouse placed third with their "Juicy Lucy" burger with a beer bacon jam. It's a beef burger stuffed with American cheese and was topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo and their beer bacon jam. The jam was made with Guinness, bacon, butter, red onion, garlic, black pepper, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and thyme.

For a full list of all burgers involved in the competition, take a look below:

All restaurants and burgers offered during Warner Robins Burger Week

Southwest Smash - An Angus beef patty and chorizo pork patty topped with American, pepper jack and queso cheese, onion rings, guacamole, comeback sauce and a chipotle aioli

Beer Bacon Jam Juicy Lucy - A burger made with Angus beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo and a jam seemingly made with bacon, butter, red onion, garlic, black pepper, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and thyme.

Pinkalicious Strawburger - Strawberry and vanilla cake with cream cheese and strawberry frosting. Also topped with a strawberry puree, strawberry crunch and a homemade strawberry fruit roll for the cheese.

Ancho-Pork Belly Onion Ring Burger - An all-beef batty with battered onion rings, ancho chili aioli, smoked pork belly, lettuce, tomato and finished with a sesame seed bun

WB Classic Cake Burger and Fries - Yellow cake, chocolate cake and buttercream and used to design a dessert replica of burgers and fries

The Crunch Burger - Handcrafted patty made from a blend of chuck, brisket and short rib topped with homemade potato chips, American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and a burger sauce

Sonny's Pitmaster Smokin' Burger - A grilled half-pound beef patty seasoned with brisket rub and is topped with pulled pork, chipotle candied bacon, cheddar cheese, onion straws, there "sizzling BBQ sauce" and "smokin' ranch," and is all on a toasted bun or garlic bread.

Broadway Bagel Burger - A beef burger seasoned with a special spice called "Blackbeard spice," which is made with chili pepper, garlic powder, sugar, salt, ginger, dried mustard and other spices. The burger is topped with onion straws, cheese, bacon and is served on an asiago cheese bagel.

Dressed to Kill - A half-pound beef burger topped with spicy pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, Swiss cheese and a Cajun sauce all on a frisco'd bun.

El Mural's Chipotle Burger - A Angus beef patty with crispy bacon and melted cheddar jack cheese, jalapeño, lettuce, tomato, avocado slices and a chipotle sauce

Pub Southern Meatloaf Burger - A meatloaf burger with a loaded potato cake, provolone cheese and a tomato aioli sauce all served on a brioche bun that is toasted with parmesan butter

The Godfather - Features Woodlands special recipe of chicken strips tossed in a honey sauce and topped with pepper bacon, lettuce, fried green tomatoes and a raspberry jalapeño jam all served on a waffle.

The Daze - A 10 oz. black Angus beef patty stuffed with cheddar cheese and topped with bacon, sliced jalapeños, fried onion strips, pepper jack cheese and a house-made "Daze sauce."

The Beignet Burger - Hand-formed beef patty, toped with bacon, cheddar cheese and served between two sweet beignets

Rigby's Surf & Turf Burger - A chuck patty and shrimp patty topped with an umami aioli, Swiss cheese, arugula, tomato and pickled red onion

Mexi-Burger - A double patty cheeseburger with lettuce, Salsa's guacamole and Pico de Gallo

The Powerplant - A mixed veggie patty with grilled shishito peppers and onions, pickled daikon, kale, a sweet chili garlic sauce, a vegan honey-garlic miso "veganase" all served on ciabatta bread.

The Red Dragon - A 1/3 pound Angus beef burger with candied beef bacon, a peach onion jam, a truffle balsamic glaze, roasted garlic mayo, shredded lettuce and red dragon cheese, which is cheddar cheese containing wholegrain mustard.

Mac Daddy - A two-quarter pound black Angus beef burger with bacon, lettuce, American cheese, provolone cheese, white cheddar mac and cheese. It's all finished with their signature sauce.

The Smoky Italian Burger - A grilled beef patty made of brisket a short rib topped with bacon, fontina cheese, sun-dried tomato jam, pickled onion and is served on a butter-toasted bun.

Fannie's Deluxe Burger - Double beef patties topped with American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onions, fried jalapeños and is served on toasted hamburger buns

Korean BBQ Smash Burger - Two beef patties, topped with smoked gouda cheese, a Korean BBQ sauce and is served on a pretzel bun

The Train Wreck - A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, two homemade onion rings, fried pickles, fried jalapeños, mayo and a side of homemade spicy ranch dressing. The burger itself is served between two grilled cheese sandwiches.

RELATED: 23 locally owned business to battle for top burger during Warner Robins Burger Week. Take a look at who's competing

RELATED: City of Warner Robins hosts first ever Burger Week in September

TikTok sensation Keith Lee leaves a big tip for a struggling Warner Robins restaurant

TikTok food critic Keith Lee offered big help to a struggling family-owned Mexican restaurant in Warner Robins over the weekend, giving the owners $6,000 to pay back rent and $900 to offer free food to customers.The owners of Tacos y Mariscos Ofelia had posted on Facebook a video about the restaurant’s struggles, including about having had to close for two weeks.“You made my life and my day,” restaurant owner Mario Tiznado tells Lee in Lee’s TikTok video about the visit.Tiznado’s wife, Veron...

TikTok food critic Keith Lee offered big help to a struggling family-owned Mexican restaurant in Warner Robins over the weekend, giving the owners $6,000 to pay back rent and $900 to offer free food to customers.

The owners of Tacos y Mariscos Ofelia had posted on Facebook a video about the restaurant’s struggles, including about having had to close for two weeks.

“You made my life and my day,” restaurant owner Mario Tiznado tells Lee in Lee’s TikTok video about the visit.

Tiznado’s wife, Veronica, posted on Facebook about the joy Lee’s visit brought to her family and their customers.

“It took everything in me not to tell everyone about the free food before giving it to them because I was so excited about it,” she said in the post. “Seeing our customers so happy when we told them it was free brought us so much joy. Thank you!”

When Lee saw the post about the restaurant’s struggles, he immediately booked a two-hour flight for himself and his wife to Atlanta, and drove the two hours from the airport to try the food and see why the business is slow, according to his TikTok video.

Upon arriving, they noted that the owners’ children were bussing tables, taking orders and seating people. The kids were helping out because the restaurant was short on staff.

Lee spent $46.80 on food, giving the restaurant an 8 out of 10 for customer service and a positive review overall of the food.

The restaurant also received scores on each of the food items ordered, which included a birria taco, an al pastor taco, a birria pizza, chunky guacamole and salsa, loaded fries, and street corn in a cup. The corn received Lee’s lowest score of 3, while the birria taco and birria pizza scored 7.9 and 8.2 respectively. Lee gave the best score of 8.9 to the loaded fries.

The reason for the slowness may be in part due to the restaurant’s location, Lee said in the video.

“This is a if you know, you know, kind of spot,” said Lee, who has 16.7 million followers on TikTok and 2.3 million on Instagram. “If you don’t know about it, I can see how you just stick to things that you do know because this is a very local town.”

The small restaurant at 700 Feagin Mill Road, Suite 100, is nestled on the corner of a small shopping strip anchored by a convenience store and gas station.

The restaurant shared the TikTok video on its Facebook page.

Amber Hall commented on the post, “I cried watching this! Keith Lee I never heard of you until today, and I’m so thankful you gave this family a chance! What an amazing blessing for a well deserved family! Vero and Mario never give up! Keep doing a great job!”

The restaurant posted on Facebook:

“We are beyond happy with everything that is happening but a little overwhelmed … We can’t wait for tomorrow and everyday after! If you haven’t tried our food we hope you can give us a try!”

This story was originally published October 28, 2024, 1:36 PM.

Food Critic Keith Lee gives generous tip to family-owned GA restaurant

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First)— A family-owned Georgia restaurant posted on TikTok last week about its struggle to stay afloat. Three days later, they got something they never expected.Viral food critic Keith Lee showed up and gave them a tip large enough to pay their rent for the next three months, he shared with his social media following.Tacos y Mariscos Ofel...

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First)— A family-owned Georgia restaurant posted on TikTok last week about its struggle to stay afloat. Three days later, they got something they never expected.

Viral food critic Keith Lee showed up and gave them a tip large enough to pay their rent for the next three months, he shared with his social media following.

Tacos y Mariscos Ofelia in Warner Robins was forced to temporarily close on Oct. 3 after they didn’t have enough customers. They reopened a few weeks later, but still could not pay their rent due to slow service, according to their Facebook.

After creating a GoFundMe, the restaurant went to TikTok to ask for help.

“We are a small family that depends on this restaurant. We have no one to help us out, and we are fighting to stay afloat and not lose everything we worked so hard for,” the family wrote in the caption of the now-viral video.

A few days later, viral food reviewer Keith Lee posted a review of the food and the overall experience his family had at the restaurant.

“The second me and my family saw this video, we booked a two-hour flight and drove two hours from the airport to try this food,” Lee says in his review.

After reviewing the food with his wife, Roni Lee, he said the restaurant might not be doing well due to the location being two hours away from Atlanta and the staff in front being all children.

“As always, it‘s deeper than the food. This is about families; this is about doing what we feel like we’re supposed to do and walking in our path,” Lee said.

Lee went in to the restaurant to meet the family behind the business and pay their rent for the next three months. Lee also left $900 to pay for anyone who came in after him.

The restaurant owner explained to Lee that his children offered to help when they noticed he struggled to hire employees.

“We try to do the best we can,” the restaurant owner told Lee.

“We are so thankful that our community joined together to help us, and thank you to Keith Lee,” the business wrote on Facebook. “This was such a blessing and we hope many great things come from this.”

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.