Chebbo’s Burgers Punchbowl flourishes during COVID-19 due to TikTok
As many food businesses struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic, one Sydney burger joint - run by an accounting student — has flourished in popularity thanks to social media. Now Ali Chebbani reveals how TikTok has proven “a goldmine of opportunity” for him.
The Express
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While many businesses have been forced to confront new challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, one southwest Sydney enterprise has seen its brand soar to new heights — and it’s all thanks to TikTok.
The popular social media platform has been single-handedly responsible for keeping Chebbo’s Burgers even busier since the pandemic hit NSW.
Punchbowl accounting student Ali Chebbani - AKA Chebbo’s Burgers - is the brains behind the business, which started out as an occasional pop-up store before becoming a full-fledged operation in his home kitchen with deliveries flying out the door during lockdown.
The charismatic 20-year-old, who has always been passionate about food, says ever since he started sharing recipe ideas through TikTok videos his follower base has grown exponentially to 265,000.
“During COVID is when my business really took off. This was originally something to do on the weekend … it got so much momentum during COVID and it’s easily got the capacity to become a full-time thing,” Mr Chebbani said.
The increased traction has him now operating out of a food truck stationed in Roselands — and fans have been travelling from as far as Canberra to get a taste of his American-style smash burgers.
“It’s only beef, that’s what I like as well. I like having something simple and done right and people resonated with that,” he said.
With more people staying at home during the pandemic, Mr Chebbani said he had found an enthusiastic audience for his TikTok vlogs and videos showing people how to make their own burgers.
“TikTok has really given me a great platform to connect organically with so many people right here next to me … to the other side of the world.
“I’ve spoken to a couple (of) Instagram influencers and a lot of them have transitioned to TikTok as well. It’s such a goldmine of opportunity and attention.”
Mr Chebbani has even taken on celebrity chef Gordan Ramsay in one light-hearted TikTok. Responding to one user who wrote: “Imagine trying to teach Gordan Ramsay to cook a burger”, he responded “He’s a little boy, I kiss him on his forehead.....you know why? Gordan Ramsay is scared”.