When you step into the William Paterson University dining hall, nothing usually feels out of the ordinary.
Students shuffle in after class looking for a quick bite, a steady line snakes around the omelet station, and conversations echo across the room. But on most days, there is one familiar sight that regulars have come to recognize: senior Communication major David Gordon filming a food review.
Gordon, known on campus for his TikTok and Instagram dining hall reviews, has turned everyday meals into must-watch content and an unexpected form of campus connection. Posting under the name “Dave Dawg,” Gordon has built a sizable following, with more than 1,400 followers on TikTok, over 1,200 followers on Instagram and more than 600 subscribers on YouTube.
“I started doing food reviews my senior year of high school,” Gordon said. “I was eating lunch one day with someone, and they said, ‘Why don’t you do a food review for TikTok?’ So I just did it.”
What began as a casual suggestion quickly gained traction. Gordon began posting reviews almost daily, and the response was immediate.
“People started to love them,” he said. “So I just kept going.”
When Gordon enrolled at Passaic County Community College, his growing audience followed along. Encouraged by his followers, he continued reviewing meals before eventually bringing the content with him to William Paterson after transferring.
“I reviewed my dining hall meals and even the food court from time to time during my first semester,” Gordon said. “It got nothing but love.”
After two semesters at William Paterson, Gordon expanded his presence, launching an Instagram account to complement his TikTok page. Now in his senior year, the recognition has extended well beyond social media.
“So many people from my town and people on campus have come up to me asking if I’m the guy who does the food reviews,” Gordon said. “I’ve gotten nothing but love and good feedback.”
That recognition has reached even the dining hall staff.
“Some of the people who work here have seen my reviews and complimented them,” Gordon said. “That really means a lot.”
Gordon’s enthusiasm has also resonated with fellow students, who say his content adds energy to everyday campus routines.
“It makes me happy seeing someone be so passionate to review food, and I enjoy watching them,” said sophomore Sports Management major Derek Gutowski.
For others, Gordon’s videos have become appointment viewing.
“They keep me entertained,” said senior Communication major Gerard James. “How can they not have you locked in, waiting for the next time he pops up with a review from random places? It has me wanting to get out and go to the spots he’s trying.”
The positive response has inspired Gordon to think beyond campus dining. He now plans to review restaurants and explore new food spots, documenting first-time experiences for his audience.
“All the feedback has inspired me to keep doing them as much as I can,” he said.
For Gordon, the reviews have become more than content — they are part of his identity on campus.
“This is something that really makes me unique from other students at William Paterson,” Gordon said. “I’m just so blessed to have this much support.”
