Lexington dessert shop using viral social media posts to pay off school lunch debt
A popular Lexington dessert shop is going viral for its TikTok posts, and the owner is hoping to use that attention for good.
Dahlhus Fudge owner Adam Dahl recently qualified for the social media site’s creator fund, which allows users to earn money for their posted content.
But Dahl said he doesn’t plan on keeping any of the money he gets from his clips, some of which are silly, including showing off his Norwegian dance moves around his Woodland Avenue shop to catchy tunes with a mop for a dance partner.
“I make my living selling fudge,” Dahl said in one 60-second clip. “I don’t need to make money off my TikTok videos. So let’s help raise money for those who need it.”
Dahl says he is donating 100% of the money he gets to help pay off school lunch debt for families at Fayette County Public Schools.
Since he announced his plan online about two weeks ago, the support has been overwhelming Dahl said.
In a video posted on Feb 12, Dahl said he has raised close to $600 through the social media app or people coming into the shop making donations. He’s even run out of boxes for his fudge during one of the busiest holiday weeks of the year for a dessert shop, Valentine’s Day.
Just before he was approved for creator fund status, Dahlhus Fudge’s TikTok account, @dahlhusfudge, surpassed 10,000 followers on Feb. 1. Since then, he has almost doubled his followers, and one post hashtagged #FEEDTHEKIDS has more than 100,000 views.
In one TikTok video he summarized the situation: “This whole thing blew up, huh?”
Dahl also said he is going to be transparent with the money he gets and has been in contact with FCPS. He also realizes some people might not agree with what he is doing with the money.
“School lunch debt is a thing that I’m passionate about ending. I realize that there is opposition to that,” Dahl said. “If that’s your opinion, that is totally fine. That can be your opinion. I don’t agree with that at all but I agree with your right to have that opinion and to feel that way.”
Dahlhus Fudge
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.
Where: 219 Woodland Ave.
Phone: 859-407-1244
Order online: Dahlhusfudge.com
This story was originally published February 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
