The Viral Backlash: How a Chef, a TikTok Influencer, and One Moment Changed a San Francisco Restaurant

In mid-2025, a San Francisco restaurant found itself at the center of a viral controversy—not because of its food, but because of an interaction between a well-known chef and a TikTok food influencer. The incident sparked a broader conversation about power, professionalism, and the growing influence of social media in the hospitality industry.

What Happened at Kis Cafe

The incident involved Chef Luke Sung, a respected name in the Bay Area culinary scene, and a TikTok micro-influencer known online as @itskarlabb. The influencer had been invited to Kis Cafe for a planned promotional collaboration. According to the influencer, during her visit the chef questioned her follower count—around 15,000 at the time—and allegedly implied that her audience was not the “type of people” who would dine at his restaurant. She later described the exchange as humiliating and dismissive. After leaving the restaurant, she shared her experience in a TikTok video. The post quickly went viral, gaining millions of views and triggering a wave of online backlash.

The Internet Reacts

Although the influencer initially did not name the restaurant or the chef, internet users quickly identified Kis Cafe. The restaurant’s review pages were flooded with criticism, and the incident became a flashpoint in online discussions about elitism, influencer culture, and accountability. Within days, Kis Cafe issued a public apology and announced that Luke Sung was no longer affiliated with the restaurant in any capacity.

Chef Luke Sung Responds

Chef Sung later released a public apology, acknowledging that his behavior was condescending and inappropriate. He stated that there were no excuses for the way he treated the influencer and accepted responsibility for the incident. The apology, however, did little to slow the momentum of public reaction.

The Restaurant Closes — and Reopens

Not long after the controversy, Kis Cafe announced it would close. In the months that followed, the space reopened under a new name, Bosque, with new leadership and no involvement from Sung. The rebrand was seen as a clear attempt to move forward and distance the business from the viral episode.

The Influencer Effect

Meanwhile, the influencer at the center of the controversy saw her follower count surge dramatically, growing from a modest audience into hundreds of thousands of followers almost overnight. The incident highlighted the real-world impact that even “micro-influencers” can have—and how a single moment, captured and shared, can reshape careers and businesses.

Why This Story Matters

This controversy underscored a major cultural shift: social media is no longer separate from real-world industries like dining and hospitality. Online platforms can amplify personal experiences into powerful narratives with lasting consequences. As of early 2026, the restaurant operates under a new identity, the chef has stepped away from the project entirely, and the influencer continues to grow her platform. The episode remains a cautionary tale about professionalism, respect, and the power of digital voices. Get The Knowledge. More stories like this are available at STM Daily News.

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Last Updated on January 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Save Time, Tackle Dinner with Quick, Convenient Recipes

(Family Features) If hectic weeknights leave you feeling like time is constantly slipping away, saving a few extra minutes in the kitchen can begin with alternative cooking methods and easy recipes without all the fuss. Rather than waiting for the oven to preheat, you can tackle family dinners by stir-frying and air-frying your way to delicious meals. For a fast and flavorful dinner, this Simple Chicken Stir-Fry is packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies and savory soy sauce to hit the spot without calling for takeout. It delivers on both taste and ease with the addition of Minute Sticky Rice Cups. Ready in 1 minute, they provide a perfect sticky texture to complement bold flavors. In just 15 minutes, you’ll plate a delicious recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. Endless customization is another benefit of stir-frying, allowing you to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu while mixing and matching your loved ones’ favorite veggies. Drizzle it with sauces like teriyaki or sriracha for an added flavor boost, serve with spring rolls or wontons for extra crunch or pair with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed edamame for light, refreshing contrast. Delivering the same set-it-and-forget-it convenience of baking but typically with a shorter preheating wait, air-frying is another solution for creating tasty family meals while taking back precious time. Loaded with rice, vegetables and melted cheese, these Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites make for an easy, cheesy snack or light meatless meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re ready in less than 10 minutes with Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cups serving as a rich and savory base that complements the mixed veggies and ooey-gooey cheddar. Don’t forget, you can take them to the next level with flavorful dipping sauces like:

• Ranch dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy, herby flavor.
• Barbecue sauce: Adds a sweet and smoky touch.
• Sriracha mayo: This spicy, tangy dip is a great match for those who like a bit of heat.
• Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy combination that’s complementary to the mix of flavors.
• Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky to enhance overall taste.

To find more fast, family-friendly meal ideas, visit MinuteRice.com.  

 

Simple Chicken Stir-Fry

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2-4

• 2          Minute Sticky Rice Cups
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1          pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 1          cup mixed vegetables
• 3          tablespoons soy sauce
• 2          green onions, chopped
• 1          tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat sesame oil. Add chicken and saute 6 minutes until chicken is evenly browned and cooked through.
3. Add mixed vegetables to skillet and stir-fry 4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Add cooked sticky rice to skillet. Pour in soy sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring rice is evenly coated and heated through.
5. Remove from heat, stir in chopped green onions; garnish with sesame seeds, if desired; and serve hot.
6. Tips: Chicken can be substituted for shrimp or tofu. Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh; cook 5 minutes, or until cooked through.

 

 

Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 9 minutes Servings: 1-2

• 1          Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cup
• 1/4       cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1          egg
• 1/4       cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8       teaspoon salt
•             barbecue sauce or ranch dressing (optional)

1. Preheat air fryer to 390 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In blender, roughly chop vegetables.
3. In bowl, combine vegetables, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic powder and salt. Freeze 5 minutes to slightly firm up.
4. Divide rice mixture into four portions and hand form into mounds.
5. Air-fry 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.

SOURCE: Minute Rice

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

JonnyPops Launches Refreshing New “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” Mini Frozen Pops

A better-for-you frozen treat meets hydration support in a grab-and-go mini format. If you’ve ever reached for something cold after a workout, a long day outside, or when you’re just not feeling 100%, you’re not alone — and JonnyPops says its fans have been telling that story for a while. The Minnesota-based frozen treat brand announced it’s expanding its No Sugar Added Minis lineup with a new option designed to be both refreshing and functional: JonnyPops “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” mini frozen pops.

Fans asked for hydration-friendly pops — JonnyPops listened

According to the company, the new product was inspired by emails and social media comments from customers who were already using JonnyPops as a simple way to cool down and feel a little more hydrated. JonnyPops says consumers shared stories about playing sports in the heat, spending time outdoors, or recovering from an illness — and how a frozen treat with hydration support would be the perfect pop for those moments. That feedback led the brand to add electrolytes to its popular No Sugar Added Minis.

What’s inside the new minis

JonnyPops says the new “No Sugar Added with Electrolytes” minis are built around the same standards fans expect from the brand, including:

• Organic ingredients
• No artificial dyes
• No added sugar
• Electrolytes for hydration support
• Layered flavors designed for a fun, refreshing bite

“Consumers often share with us how JonnyPops is part of their everyday moments,” said Erik Brust, Co-Founder of JonnyPops. “We hope that these new frozen pops will be loved by our fans and enjoyed in all moments that need a refreshing treat.”

When you can find them

JonnyPops says the new minis are expected to hit stores in April 2026. For updates on availability and additional product news, visit www.jonnypops.com and follow JonnyPops on social media.

About JonnyPops

JonnyPops’ tagline is “A Better Pop for a Better World!™” and the company says its mission is to make “delicious, magical products” while helping make the world a kinder place. The brand notes its pops are free from artificial dyes, made in a peanut-free facility, and include a kind deed printed on every pop stick. JonnyPops was founded in a St. Olaf College dorm room and sold its first pops at Twin Cities farmers’ markets and local cafes in 2012. Today, the company employs 200+ people, produces its frozen pops in-house, and is sold through major retailers across all 50 states. Learn more at jonnypops.com or follow @jonnypops on Instagram.

Media contact

JonnyPops@dkcnews.com

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/