Kis Cafe Scandal Explained: Chef Luke Sung Quits After Mocking Micro-Influencer Sparks Backlash

Luke Sung, a well-known Bay Area chef of Kis Cafe in San Francisco, officially stepped down from the business on 24 July following a social media backlash sparked by a video in which he mocked a local micro-influencer.

The controversy erupted after food content creator @itskarlabb visited the cafe for a scheduled collaboration, only to later share an emotional TikTok detailing her uncomfortable experience. The video prompted public outcry and a formal apology from Kis, which confirmed Sung's departure from the team.

A Collab Turns Sour

Karla, who posts food reviews and dining content on TikTok, had arranged a promotional visit to Kis Cafe in Hayes Valley. She arrived early for her 5:30pm reservation and began filming the restaurant interior, a standard practice for many creators. But as she sat down, she overheard a conversation between the host and another staff member, later identified as chef Luke Sung.

According to Karla's now-viral video, They discussed her follower count, questioned why she had been invited, and openly criticized her presence all within earshot. 'They were talking about me right in front of me,' she said, visibly shaken. 'I felt really disrespected and embarrassed.'

The situation escalated when Sung allegedly confronted her, questioned her credentials, and played her TikTok content on full volume inside the restaurant. 'He said he didn't think my videos were at the level he wanted his restaurant to be represented,' Karla explained. 'It seemed like he was insinuating that my followers couldn't afford to eat there.'

Public Apology and Resignation

Facing mounting backlash, Kis Cafe issued a statement on Instagram: 'Our chef's behaviour was unacceptable and he is no longer part of the team as a co-owner, a chef, or in any other way.' The restaurant also confirmed that Sung had reached out to Karla with a personal apology.

The team acknowledged that the incident contradicted the cafe's values, adding: 'We want to create a space that's welcoming and respectful to everyone. In this instance, we failed to do so.' VKis also announced plans to close temporarily for restructuring but said it hoped to sustain operations to support remaining staff.

Who Is Luke Sung?

Sung is best known for his early 2000s restaurant Isa, located in San Francisco's Marina District. At Kis, he brought a more casual concept focused on modern Vietnamese-Korean fusion. His departure marks a swift fall from grace, and the incident has reignited debates about how restaurants interact with online creators particularly those without large followings.

In Karla's video, she noted that she often highlights small businesses across the Bay Area and wanted to advocate for other micro-influencers: 'You don't need a million followers to be respected or feel like you're making a difference.'

Online Reaction and Industry Reflection

Social media users rallied behind Karla, criticizing the chef's behavior and voicing support for small creators who help promote local venues. 'This is about basic respect,' one user commented. 'Influencers are part of the new food culture, and they shouldn't be belittled for it.'

The backlash also sparked wider conversation about professionalism in hospitality and the evolving role of digital creators in the restaurant industry.

What Happens Next?

While Kis plans to restructure, the business has not confirmed whether it will reopen with new ownership. For now, the team has urged the public not to target remaining staff with hate speech or harassment, stating, 'Please do not use this lapse in our values as an opportunity to foment racism and hate towards us and our loved ones.'

As for Karla, she says she hopes the experience empowers other small creators to continue doing what they love and be taken seriously, regardless of their follower count.