Drew Talbert has found success on TikTok by creating a fictional restaurant called Bistro Huddy, which has garnered him 4.5 million followers. Despite never serving any food, Talbert has managed to earn an upper six-figure income annually through brand partnerships, Patreon subscriptions, and merch sales. This success has allowed him to achieve financial stability that was unattainable just a few years ago when he was struggling to make ends meet as a server.
Drawing on his 22 years of real-life restaurant experience, Talbert creates comedy skits for Bistro Huddy where he plays multiple characters such as the manager, line cook, hostess, and bartender. The fictional world of Bistro Huddy has become a hit with Gen Z, drawing comparisons to the classic sitcom “Cheers” with all characters played by Talbert. Some of the personas have even gained their own following on TikTok, such as Nicole B. who has over 693,000 followers.
Fans of Bistro Huddy appreciate the sketches for their authenticity and relatability to the restaurant industry. Talbert’s ability to portray different characters so convincingly has made fans forget that they are all played by the same person. Despite the success of the restaurant skits, Talbert remains humble and acknowledges that fans have projected their own ideas onto the characters he portrays. He views himself as merely a conduit for the character’s stories.
During the pandemic, Talbert’s wife introduced him to TikTok, inspiring him to create online comedy sketches. His talent for writing, acting, and character development has paid off, leading to a massive following not just on TikTok but also on Instagram and YouTube. Talbert’s success has not gone unnoticed, with literary agents and others expressing interest in turning the show into a proper sitcom. However, Talbert is content with his current situation, enjoying having full creative control and the ability to spend time at home with his children.
Despite the opportunities for expansion, Talbert is not actively seeking to grow his brand at the moment. He values the creative freedom and authenticity that comes with his current setup, allowing him to focus on creating content that resonates with his audience. Talbert credits his success to his background in sketch comedy, which has allowed him to hone his skills in writing, acting, and character development. By finding his niche and leveraging his talents, Talbert has managed to turn his passion for comedy into a lucrative career on TikTok.
