Chef Exits San Francisco Restaurant After TikTok Incident Sparks Outcry

A significant controversy has erupted in San Francisco’s culinary scene following a TikTok influencer’s claims that a local chef made her cry during a restaurant collaboration. The chef, identified as Luke Sung, is no longer associated with Kis Cafe as of March 2024, in light of the backlash from the influencer’s video.

On Thursday evening, Kis Cafe confirmed on Instagram that Sung’s behavior was “unacceptable” and that he had stepped down as a co-owner and chef. The incident began when Bay Area food influencer @itskarlabb shared her experience with Sung, which has since garnered over 15 million views on TikTok. In her viral video, she described how she felt berated by the chef for her follower count.

The influencer had initially arranged to promote Kis Cafe’s offerings but claimed that upon her arrival, Sung criticized her in front of staff, suggesting she was not suitable for the collaboration due to her lower follower count. She recounted, “I just left a restaurant collaboration crying,” expressing feelings of embarrassment and disrespect.

In her video, she stated, “He is not having it, saying to the host that he shouldn’t have invited me and that this was a mistake and that this was bad.” The influencer also noted a comment from Sung implying that her followers wouldn’t be able to afford the restaurant’s prices. She ended her recounting by mentioning his question, “Not to be snobby, but do you know who I am?” to which she responded that she did not.

Despite not naming the restaurant or the chef in her initial post, the backlash against Kis Cafe was swift. As negative reviews flooded in, the restaurant’s management took immediate action. They issued a statement confirming Sung’s departure, emphasizing their commitment to a welcoming environment.

Kis Cafe’s Instagram post included an apology from Sung to the influencer, stating, “This behavior does not reflect the remainder of our team. We want to create a space that’s welcoming and respectful to everyone. In this instance, we failed to do so.” The management also announced plans to close and restructure the restaurant following the fallout, with a focus on supporting their staff during this transitional period.

As the situation unfolded, the influencer shared that she gained “so many new followers” as a result of the incident. The controversy highlights the impact of social media on business reputations, particularly in the food industry, where public perception can swiftly shift due to viral content.

The incident raises questions about the dynamics of influencer collaborations and the expectations that both parties must navigate. As Kis Cafe seeks to rebuild its reputation, it remains to be seen how this event will affect its future operations and the broader San Francisco dining scene.