When it opened in 2012 in Los Angeles, chef and owner Yoonjin Hwang started with desserts and then expanded her menu.
Word got out that the food is really good. From coffee to spicy beef japchae, which is sautéed sweet potato glass noodles, to a simple yet extraordinary kimchi fried rice and crispy waffles.
“I love kimchi,” Hwang said. “I think that’s why I prepare so many dishes with kimchi. I eat kimchi friend rice, kimchi pasta.”
Momofuku chef and founder David Chang named Spoon by H his “restaurant of the year” in 2018, recognizing the small business on his massive Instagram page.
“That is why we receive so much love from our community,” Hwang said.
It was recognized by the Michelin guide. Despite the growing success, the scams forced the restaurant to announce that they will be closing temporarily, according to Hwang.
“So many disputed charges from delivery apps or pre-orders … from third parties,” he said.
In some cases, people claimed they never received orders that were picked up. In another case, an order for more than $ 700 was contested, the largest yet. Despite providing photographs of the order and receipt, the restaurant lost the money. It became a daily problem, one that other restaurants are experiencing.
“I felt incredibly helpless and frustrated, and the pandemic continued and only got worse,” Hwang said.
Saturday is the last day that customers can pick up orders. The slots filled up quickly. A GoFundMe page started by a loyal customer has now raised over $ 60,000. So Hwang is not closing the door on a new beginning.
“I don’t know exactly when or how, but I really hope that one day I can return all the love to our community, to our loyal customers,” he said.
She urges people not to take advantage of small businesses and support them through a difficult time.
“We need your help,” he said. “More than ever.”
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