The 5 Shocking Reasons Why Kis Cafe San Francisco Vanished After A Viral TikTok Drama

The story of Kis Cafe in San Francisco's vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood is a modern cautionary tale, a stark example of how quickly a promising restaurant venture can be dismantled by the power of social media. As of this update in December 2025, Kis Cafe is permanently closed, its brief existence ending in a spectacular flameout that captivated the San Francisco food scene and the wider internet community. The establishment, which had only opened its doors a few months prior, was at the epicenter of a massive online controversy that saw its reputation—and ultimately, its business—collapse within days.

This deep dive explores the full, dramatic timeline of the Hayes Valley wine bar, detailing the vision of chef-owner Luke Sung, the specifics of the viral clash with a TikTok influencer, the immediate and overwhelming social media backlash, and the swift move to permanently shut down and rebrand the space. The saga of Kis Cafe offers critical insights into the volatile dynamic between traditional hospitality and the unforgiving landscape of digital content creation and online reviews.

The Meteoric Rise and Sudden Fall of Kis Cafe

Kis Cafe, which stood for "Keep It Simple," was not just another new San Francisco eatery. It was the latest venture from acclaimed chef and co-owner Luke Sung, a respected figure in the Bay Area dining community known for his work at Domo Sushi and a two-time James Beard Rising Star Chef nominee in the early 2000s.

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The establishment, which opened in early May 2025, was situated in a notable location—the former Petit Crenn space—in the bustling Hayes Valley district. Sung, along with partner Eric Lin, envisioned a charming, intimate wine bar and cafe that would serve as a delightful hidden gem, offering a menu of great food, including praised items like black cod and steak, alongside quality coffee and baked goods.

For a brief period, the concept appeared to be a success, blending the casual atmosphere of a cafe with the refined offerings of a wine bar. However, this promising beginning was short-lived, as the restaurant was about to become an unwilling participant in a viral social media drama that would ultimately define its entire existence.

The Viral TikTok Controversy: A Digital Disaster

The catalyst for Kis Cafe's downfall was a single, now-infamous interaction in July 2025. The core of the drama centered on a clash between chef-owner Luke Sung and micro-influencer Karla Marcotte, who goes by the handle @itskarlabb on TikTok.

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Marcotte posted a video detailing her disastrous experience at the Hayes Street location. She alleged that during a planned collaboration, chef Sung had been deeply disrespectful, belittling her, and causing her to leave the restaurant in tears.

The Overwhelming Social Media Backlash

The power of the viral video was immediate and devastating. The narrative of a respected veteran chef allegedly mistreating a young content creator resonated widely, triggering an unprecedented wave of social media backlash.

• The Review Bomb: Within days of the video going viral, Kis Cafe’s online reputation was decimated. The restaurant was bombarded with thousands of negative online reviews.
• Plummeting Rating: The Google rating for the Hayes Valley wine bar plummeted to a shocking 1.1 stars, a digital death sentence for any modern business.
• Chef's Response: Facing immense pressure and public outcry, Luke Sung issued a public apology. He acknowledged the severity of the situation and, in a critical move, stepped down from his role as chef and co-owner.

The speed and reach of the digital drama highlighted a new reality for the San Francisco restaurant scene: a business's reputation is now intrinsically linked to the volatile dynamics of platforms like TikTok and Yelp. The controversy sparked a wider reflection among chefs and food influencers on the complex, often fraught, relationship between hospitality and content creation.

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From Kis Cafe to Bosque: The Legacy of Social Media Backlash

Despite the initial attempts to salvage the business—including the removal of the chef and a temporary closure—the damage was irreparable. The torrent of negative press and the lasting stigma from the viral video proved too much for the new establishment to overcome.

The decision was made to permanently close Kis Cafe. The closure, confirmed in late July 2025, marked the definitive end of the venture.

The Rebirth as Bosque

The physical space, however, did not remain vacant for long. The sole remaining owner quietly reopened the location shortly after the closure, opting for a complete rebrand to distance the new establishment from the controversy. The former Kis Cafe space in Hayes Valley was transformed into a new wine bar named Bosque.

The swift transition from Kis Cafe to Bosque underscores the severity of the digital fallout. The new name and concept were a necessity to escape the stain of the viral drama, illustrating how social media can force a complete reset in the highly competitive San Francisco dining market. The space itself remains a vibrant part of the local community, but the name Kis Cafe is now synonymous with a spectacular and cautionary failure.

The entire episode serves as a powerful case study in the modern age of hospitality. It highlights the immense power of micro-influencers and the unforgiving nature of online reviews. For any new establishment in a major metropolitan area like San Francisco, managing one's digital presence is now as crucial as managing the kitchen. The story of Kis Cafe will be long remembered in the Bay Area food scene as the moment a digital video brought a physical business to its knees.