Discover Karla: The Food Influencer Behind Kis Cafe’s Closure After Her Fallout with Chef Luke Sung

Karla stepped onto the food scene as a rising TikTok star with the handle @itskarlabb. She aimed for a fun collaboration at Kis Cafe but left in tears, sparking a social media storm. Her experience went viral, leading to a rapid closure and restructuring of the cafe after chef Luke Sung’s controversial behavior.

Karla’s story is a prime example of how quickly public perception can shift in today’s digital age. Originally a micro-influencer, she had about 15,000 followers, sharing authentic food reviews and moments. After this incident, her follower count shot up to over 150,000 almost overnight, showcasing the power of relatable content. Her five-minute TikTok recounting her Kis Cafe visit struck a chord with viewers, especially when she mentioned feeling disrespected.

“I basically ran out of there … I felt really disrespected.”

This raw honesty resonated, turning her frustration into a moment of influence. Suddenly, she wasn’t just a small creator; she became a widely recognized voice.

As for Kis Cafe, the fallout was swift. The cafe, co-owned by chef Luke Sung, opened in May and gained attention quickly. However, Sung’s dismissive comments about Karla’s follower count—insinuating that her audience wasn’t suitable for his cafe—led to his ousting. His actions, including playing her TikTok for the staff and comparing her to his daughter with 600,000 followers, prompted Karla to walk away from their planned collaboration.

Once her video went viral, garnering over 9 million views, Kis Cafe’s ratings plummeted. On Google, their rating fell as low as one star, and Yelp hid their review page due to an influx of unusual activity. The cafe announced it would close soon and restructure, prioritizing a respectful environment for all staff and guests.

In a statement, co-owner Eric Lin emphasized that the staff shouldn’t bear the brunt of the backlash aimed at Sung’s actions. He received disheartening messages directed at employees, making it clear that the fallout affected everyone. “It’s painful to see our team hurt by one person’s behavior,” he remarked.

This entire incident highlights a crucial point: in our hyper-connected world, actions and words can have drastic consequences. A single moment can turn someone into a viral sensation, while businesses can face rapid decline due to a lack of respect for individuals. In the restaurant industry, where community and reputation are vital, it’s a reminder of the importance of treating everyone with dignity.

As the situation continues to unfold, it’s worth noting how food influencers like Karla are shaping modern dining culture. With statistics showing that nearly 70% of millennials trust online reviews, the impact of social media in the food industry is undeniable. Karla’s experience serves as a case study in the evolving dynamics of influencers and restaurants alike.

For more on the power of social media in restaurant reviews, check the latest insights from the [National Restaurant Association](https://restaurant.org). This case might change how cafes approach collaborations and influence in the future.

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