UPDATE: A major shake-up in San Francisco’s dining scene as Kis Cafe has confirmed that Chef Luke Sung is “no longer” with the restaurant following a viral incident involving TikTok influencer @itskarlabb. This development, announced on Thursday, October 26, 2023, comes after the influencer claimed she was berated by Sung during a planned collaboration.
The controversy erupted when the Bay Area food influencer posted a video on Wednesday recounting her experience at Kis Cafe, which has since garnered over 15 million views. In her emotional video, she stated that upon arriving at the restaurant, she was criticized by Sung for not having enough followers, leaving her in tears.
“I just left a restaurant collaboration crying,” the influencer explained, revealing that Sung allegedly said to the host that inviting her was a mistake and that it reflected poorly on him. “It seemed like he was insinuating that my followers would not be able to afford to eat at this restaurant,” she added, describing her feelings of embarrassment and disrespect.
In a follow-up Instagram post, Kis Cafe confirmed the identity of the chef and condemned his behavior as “unacceptable.” The restaurant stated, “He is no longer part of the team as a co-owner, a chef or in any other way.” The post emphasized their commitment to creating a welcoming environment, acknowledging that they “failed to do so” in this instance.
Kis Cafe’s management has since reached out to the TikTok influencer to offer a personal apology. The restaurant also announced it would be “closing soon and restructuring” in light of the fallout from this incident. The management expressed concern for their team members and their families during this transitional period.
The situation has sparked significant backlash online, with many social media users voicing their outrage over the treatment of the influencer. This incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media and its immediate impact on reputations and businesses.
As of now, the restaurant is navigating the aftermath of this viral event, which has not only affected its internal dynamics but has also drawn attention to the broader implications of influencer collaborations in the culinary world. The Kis Cafe team aims to rebuild and restore trust among its patrons and the community.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
