Kis Cafe Fires Chef Luke Sung Following Viral TikTok Influencer Karla Controversy

A single TikTok video has triggered a firestorm in San Francisco’s culinary scene, leading to the firing of a celebrated chef and the impending closure of his restaurant. The controversy erupted after Karla (@itskarlabb), a local food influencer with over 15,000 followers, posted a tearful account detailing a humiliating experience at Hayes Valley’s Kis Cafe, allegedly involving co-owner and James Beard-nominated chef Luke Sung. The fallout has been swift and severe, highlighting the volatile power of social media in the restaurant industry.

Kis Cafe Incident Sparks Online Outrage and Swift Repercussions

According to Karla’s widely viewed TikTok video posted in late July 2025, she arrived at Kis Cafe for a potential collaboration, arriving early while waiting for her husband. She claims she overheard staff, including the host, discussing her follower count negatively, deeming the collaboration “a mistake” due to her audience size. The situation escalated dramatically when Chef Luke Sung allegedly approached her. Karla recounted Sung asking, “Do you know who I am?” and mentioning his James Beard nominations. She further alleged he played her TikTok content loudly within the cafe while dismissing her audience as unlikely patrons of his establishment. He reportedly compared her 15,000 followers unfavorably to his daughter’s purported 600,000 TikTok following. The deeply personal video resonated with viewers, sparking immediate backlash against Kis Cafe and Sung across social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

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The public reaction was fierce and unforgiving. Kis Cafe’s Google rating plummeted to as low as 1 star amid a flood of negative reviews. Comments ranged from expressions of solidarity with Karla to calls for the cafe’s boycott. As reported by social media users like Susan Dyer Reynolds and Josie Lazalde, criticism centered on perceived elitism and the dismissive treatment of a smaller creator. The intense pressure forced Kis Cafe’s management into rapid action, facing a reputational crisis just three months after opening.

Kis Cafe Responds: Termination, Apology, and Restructure

Within days of the video going viral, Kis Cafe issued a formal statement on their Instagram account. The announcement was unequivocal: Chef Luke Sung was out. The statement declared Sung’s behavior towards Karla “unacceptable” and confirmed he was “no longer part of the team as a co-owner, a chef or in any other way.” Kis Cafe stated Sung had reached out to Karla with a personal apology. Crucially, the statement also revealed a more drastic step: the temporary closure of the Hayes Valley establishment. Kis Cafe announced plans to close “soon” to “restructure,” emphasizing their commitment to their staff and fostering a “respectful environment” moving forward. This decision underscores the severe financial and operational impact of the controversy.

The speed of Kis Cafe’s response reflects the immense power wielded by online communities and influencers, regardless of follower count. Karla, who describes herself as a “micro-influencer” focusing on honest meal reviews and behind-the-scenes moments, saw her platform explode overnight due to the incident. Her story tapped into widespread frustrations about creator treatment and industry gatekeeping. While Sung’s past accolades, including his pioneering work at Cal-French restaurant Isa in the early 2000s, were noted, they were overshadowed by the allegations of unprofessional conduct in this instance.

The Lingering Impact on 

The viral Kis Cafe controversy serves as a stark cautionary tale for the hospitality industry. It demonstrates how quickly a single negative interaction, amplified through social media, can devastate a business and derail a career. While Kis Cafe attempts to rebuild and Karla navigates her sudden macro-influence, the core lessons remain: respect for patrons and collaborators is paramount, and in the digital age, accountability is swift and often unforgiving. Follow reputable San Francisco food news sources for updates on Kis Cafe’s future and the evolving conversation around influencer relationships in dining.