Yesterdog Owners React To Going Viral Thanks To Visit From Influencers Josh and Jase

British influencers Josh and Jase have been making their way around Michigan as part of a second exploration of the state of Michigan after their January visit during sub-zero temperatures saw them become the most famous people in the entire state for about a month straight,

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Part of their social media strategy is them to smaller towns in whatever state they're exploring and trying restaurants or experiences others might miss, and yesterday, they made a second visit to Grand Rapids' beloved Yesterdog in East Grand Rapids. 24 hours after their video has been posted, we're talking to the owners to see how the "Josh and Jase Effect" has caused business to soar.

The duo partook in the Yesterdog tradition of signing the walls. Their signature can be found in the additional seating area, next to the door. / Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media

What Is The 'Josh and Jase Effect'?

Much like when a restaurant is featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, the days following the airing of the episode, those restaurants typically experience a huge increase in business, and each subsequent time after an episode is rerun. This is known as the "Triple-D Effect".

READ MORE: Why Josh and Jase Came to Michigan in the Winter

Similarly, whenever British influencers Josh and Jase visit a restaurant on their visits, those restaurants also receive a boost in business due to their massive followings across multiple platforms (3.1M on Facebook, 1.6M on TikTok, 950K on Instagram, and more from their personal accounts).

Josh & Jase Visit Yesterdog: How Did It Go?

I spoke with co-owners Lisa Rapoport and Pat Connor about what it was like having these guys show up a second time (yes, second time - the first time they came, the store was closed to have the floors replaced). This time around, the store was very much open, and according to Connor, people were camped outside from when they opened at 11 am. 

For a Wednesday, it was packed with people thinking they might show up [here]. We had people arriving all day, and people were waiting for hours hoping for them to show up.

 

Today, we've been much busier, even with people just coming looking for their signature. The fact we've already opened our extra seating which is typically only needed on the weekends says a lot [about their impact].

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media

Even before they arrived, people were waiting outside. When the British duo came riding up on the Lime scooters, things got pretty hectic. Rapoport gave them the additional seating area to film in private, and while word spread and people gathered up front, the Brits silently slipped out the back door. Real celebrity stuff right there.

Connor and Rapoport believe they'll stay busy as a result of the video. Meanwhile, Josh and Jase are continuing their journey around the Mitten State, currently exploring Holland's Dutch Village. You can follow along on their socials and see a full timeline of everywhere they've been below.