Chef Exits San Francisco Restaurant After TikTok Influencer Drama
URGENT UPDATE: The chef of a newly opened wine bar in San Francisco has stepped down following a viral incident involving a popular TikTok influencer. Kis Cafe announced today, October 5, 2023, that chef Luke Sung is “no longer” with the restaurant after a backlash from a TikTok video that has amassed over 15 million views.
In the explosive video posted by TikTok user @itskarlabb, the influencer detailed a troubling encounter with Sung during a planned collaboration. She claimed that upon arrival, she was met with hostility from the chef, who criticized her follower count and suggested she was unqualified to promote the restaurant’s offerings. “I just left a restaurant collaboration crying,” she revealed, visibly upset.
The influencer recounted how Sung allegedly told the host that inviting her was a mistake and seemed to imply her audience could not afford to dine at Kis Cafe. “Not to be snobby, but do you know who I am?” he reportedly asked, to which she responded that she did not.
In response to the uproar, Kis Cafe confirmed the incident on Instagram, labeling Sung’s actions as “unacceptable.” The restaurant 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 creating a welcoming environment, saying, “In this instance, we failed to do so.”
Kis Cafe’s post also mentioned that Sung has reached out to the influencer with a personal apology. The restaurant is now undergoing restructuring and hopes to support its remaining staff and their families during this tumultuous time.
As the fallout continues, the influencer’s initial post has sparked a wave of negative reviews for Kis Cafe, further complicating the restaurant’s position in the competitive San Francisco dining scene.
This incident raises significant questions about the interactions between established chefs and social media influencers, highlighting the growing influence of platforms like TikTok on the culinary world. As events unfold, many are watching closely to see how Kis Cafe navigates this controversial chapter.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
