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3w ago

Chef Luke Sung Resigns as Kis Cafe Shutters Ahead of Relaunch

Sung’s apology for belittling TikTok influencer Karla led to the wine bar’s permanent closure, prompting a planned relaunch under new leadership

Outdoor seating area along a tree-lined street with boutique storefronts and parked cars, Hayes Valley, San Francisco, California, November 2, 2024
In this archive photo, Luke Sung poses at his former restaurant Lux in San Francisco’s Marina District. The former Kis Cafe chef apologized publicly Sunday after a TikTok influencer accused him of belittling her during a visit to the San Francisco restaurant.
TikToker itskarlabb next to a 'closed' sign.
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Overview

  • Luke Sung apologized on July 27, admitting he was “condescending, hurtful, and intimidating” and confirmed his permanent departure from Kis Cafe.
  • Kis Cafe closed on July 28 and remains shut while owners restructure the Hayes Valley wine bar for a future return with new leadership.
  • The controversy began when Karla’s TikTok video described Sung questioning her 15,000 followers and dismissing her audience, driving the clip past 20 million views.
  • Negative reviews have flooded both Kis Cafe and Sung’s former restaurant Isa, causing their Yelp and Google ratings to plunge across the Bay Area.
  • The episode underscores tensions between traditional culinary prestige and social media influence, raising questions about partnerships in today’s digital-first dining landscape.