When it opened in 2012 in Los Angeles, chef and owner Yoonjin Hwang started with desserts and later expanded his menu.
The news spread that the food was very good. From coffee, to spicy beef japche – which is fried noodles, from a glass of sweet potatoes – to a simple but extraordinary kimchi fried rice and crispy waffles.
“I like kimchi,” Hwang said. “I think that’s why I make so many kimchi dishes. For example, friend kimchi rice, kimchi pasta.”
Momofuku chef and founder David Chang called Spoon by H the “restaurant of the year” in 2018, shouting small business on his massive Instagram page.
“That’s why we received so much love from our community,” Hwang said.
It has received recognition from the Michelin guide. Despite the growing success, the scams forced the restaurant to announce that it was temporarily closing, according to Hwang.
“So many fees contested by delivery or pre-order applications … third parties,” she said.
In some cases, people claimed that they never received orders that were taken. In another case, an order for more than $ 700 was contested – the largest of them yet. Despite providing pictures with the order and receipt, the restaurant lost money. It has become a daily problem – facing other restaurants.
“I felt incredibly helpless and frustrated, and the pandemic continued and got worse,” Hwang said.
Saturday is the last day customers can take orders. All slots filled up quickly. A GoFundMe page started by a loyal customer has now raised over $ 60,000. So Hwang does not close the door to a new beginning.
“I don’t know exactly when and how, but you know, I hope one day I will be able to return all the love of our community, to our loyal customers,” she said.
She urges people not to take advantage of small businesses and to support them in a difficult time.
“We need your help,” she said. “More than ever.”
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