URGENT UPDATE: The chef of Kis Cafe in San Francisco has officially stepped down following a viral incident with TikTok influencer @itskarlabb that has sent shockwaves through the culinary community. Just hours ago, on July 13, 2023, the restaurant announced that Luke Sung is “no longer part of the team” amidst backlash from a video where the influencer claims she was reduced to tears during their collaboration.
In her widely viewed TikTok video, which has already amassed an astonishing 15 million views, @itskarlabb recounted an uncomfortable encounter with Sung. She alleged that instead of a warm welcome, she faced criticism for her follower count. “I just left a restaurant collaboration crying,” she said, recounting his remarks questioning why she was invited, stating, “He is not having it… that this was a mistake and that this was bad.”
The influencer claimed that Sung insinuated her followers would not be able to afford to dine at Kis Cafe. “Not to be snobby, but do you know who I am?” she quoted him saying, to which she replied, “No,” indicating she was unfamiliar with his identity as a James Beard-nominated chef.
As the story unfolded, Kis Cafe confirmed on Instagram that Sung’s behavior was deemed “unacceptable.” The restaurant’s post stated, “He is no longer part of the team as a co-owner, a chef, or in any other way.” They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment, stating, “In this instance, we failed to do so.”
Kis Cafe’s management mentioned that Sung has reached out to @itskarlabb with a personal apology, but the fallout has led to a flood of negative reviews and public scrutiny. They confirmed that the establishment is “closing soon and restructuring after these events,” while expressing hope to “sustain the livelihoods of our team members and their families.”
This incident has sparked discussions about influencer culture and accountability in the restaurant industry, with many social media users rallying behind @itskarlabb. In her follow-up post, she noted a significant increase in her followers, showcasing the powerful impact of viral content.
As the restaurant community watches closely, the implications of this situation extend beyond Kis Cafe, raising questions about professionalism and respect in culinary collaborations. The fallout from this controversy is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how other establishments will respond to the growing influence of social media personalities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.