When it opened in 2012 in Los Angeles, chef and owner Yoonjin Hwang started with desserts and then expanded her menu.
The word spread that the food is very good. From coffee, to spicy Japanese meat – which are fried sweet potato glass noodles – to simple but extraordinary kimchi fried rice and crispy waffles.
“I love kimchi,” said Hwang. “I think that’s why I make so many dishes with kimchi. Like, kimchi friendly rice, kimchi noodles.”
Momofuku chef and founder David Chang called Spoon by H his “restaurant of the year” in 2018, giving the small company a spotlight on its huge Instagram page.
“That’s why we receive so much love from our community,” said Hwang.
Obtained recognition from the Michelin guide. Despite the growing success, the scams have forced the restaurant to announce that they are temporarily closing, according to Hwang.
“So many contested charges for delivery or pre-order applications … from third parties,” she said.
In some cases, people claimed that they never received orders that were withdrawn. In another instance, an order for more than $ 700 – the largest of them – was disputed. Despite providing photos of the order and receipt, the restaurant lost money. It has become a daily problem – a problem that other restaurants are facing.
“I felt, like, incredibly powerless and frustrated, and the pandemic continued and it only got worse,” said Hwang.
Saturday is the last day on which customers can pick up orders. The slots filled quickly. A GoFundMe page started by a loyal customer has raised more than $ 60,000. Therefore, Hwang is not closing the door on a new beginning.
“I don’t know exactly when or how, but you know, I really hope that one day I will be able to return all the love to our community, to our loyal customers,” she said.
It encourages people not to take advantage of small businesses and support them in a difficult time.
“We need your help,” she said. “More than ever.”
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