In the age of Instagram foodies and TikTok taste-testers, restaurants live and die by online buzz. But what happens when a chef—especially one with a James Beard nomination—decides to publicly humiliate an influencer for having “only” 15,000 followers? Spoiler: The internet always wins, and the chef gets fired.
This is exactly what happened at Kis Cafe in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, where chef Luke Sung (now ex-chef, by the way) decided to critique guest influencer Karla’s social media clout to her face—then blasted her TikTok videos on full volume for the room to judge. The result? A PR disaster, a temporary closure, and a masterclass in how not to behave in the hospitality industry.
The Drama: A Chef’s Ego vs. An Influencer’s Dignity
Karla (@itskarlabb) posted a now-viral TikTok detailing her experience: After being invited to the restaurant, she overheard Sung and the event’s MC mocking her follower count (which, for the record, is higher than most small-town newspapers). The chef then interrogated her:
“Did you even research this restaurant? Do you know who we are?”
Ah, the classic “Do you know who I am?”—a phrase famously uttered by:
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Divas in 90s rom-coms.
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Drunk uncles at weddings.
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Chefs about to get canceled.
Sung then literally pulled up Karla’s TikTok, played her videos out loud, and declared her content “not aligned with the restaurant’s clientele.” The irony? His behavior was perfectly aligned with every viral “Karen” video ever.
The Fallout: Apologies, Closures, and Lessons
Within hours, the internet identified Kis Cafe, and the backlash was swift. The restaurant issued a statement confirming Sung’s dismissal, adding that he’d reached out to Karla privately to apologize. They also announced a temporary closure for “restructuring”—code for “We need to detox from this PR nightmare.”
How Should This Have Been Handled? A Guide for Chefs & Influencers
For Chefs: How Not to Be a Michelin-Starred Villain
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Remember: Hospitality ≠ Hostility
If Gordon Ramsay can scream at contestants for TV but still charm guests at his restaurants, you can handle an influencer without pulling a Mean Girls cafeteria scene. -
Follower Count ≠ Influence
A nano-influencer with 15K engaged followers might drive more traffic than a celeb who posts once a year. Plus, mocking guests is always bad Yelp review material. -
If You Mess Up, Apologize Fast
Sung’s belated apology came after his firing. Pro tip: A free dessert and a “Sorry I was a jerk” in the moment could’ve saved his job.
For Influencers: How to Handle a Rude Chef Without Going Viral (Unless You Want To)
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Stay Calm & Kill Them with Kindness
A polite “I’d love to hear more about your vision for this dish!” disarms egos better than clapbacks. -
Leverage the Power of the Internet (Wisely)
Karla’s restrained storytelling—naming the behavior, not just the chef—made her the sympathetic hero. Ranting = messy. Facts = impact. -
Know Your Worth
If a restaurant invites you, they see value in you. Don’t let a chef’s ego trip make you forget that.
The Bigger Lesson for Bali’s Dining Scene
Bali’s culinary world thrives on tourism and influencers—whether they’re global travel bloggers or local foodies. Restaurants here should take notes:
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Collaborate, don’t condescend. That “small” influencer might be the reason your vegan smoothie bowl trends in Jakarta next week.
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Train staff in actual hospitality. A smile costs nothing; a viral scandal costs everything.
As for Sung? Let’s hope his next venture involves less ego and more empathy—preferably at a food truck where the only audience is hungry customers, not the entire internet.
Source: People (July 25, 2025)
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By Giostanovlatto
