When it opened in Los Angeles in 2012, chef and owner Yoonjin Hwang started with desserts and later expanded her menu.
The message spread that the food is really good. From the coffee, to spicy beef japchae – which are stir-fried sweet potato noodles – 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 dishes with kimchi. Like kimchi friend rice, kimchi pasta.”
Momofuku chef and founder David Chang named Spoon at H his ‘restaurant of the year’ in 2018, giving the small business a shout out on its massive Instagram page.
“That’s why we got 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 its temporary closure, according to Hwang.
“So many disputed charges of delivery programs or pre-order … thirds,” she said.
In some cases, people claimed that they never received orders that were picked up. In another case, an order of more than $ 700 – their largest yet – was contested. The restaurant lost the money, although he provided photos of the order and the receipt. It has become a daily problem – one that other restaurants are experiencing.
“I just felt, incredibly helpless and frustrated, and the pandemic continued and it only got worse,” Hwang said.
Saturday is the last day customers can pick up orders. The slits filled quickly. A GoFundMe page started by a loyal customer has now raised more than $ 60,000. So, Hwang does not close the door to a new beginning.
“I do not know exactly when or how, but you know, I really hope that one day I can give back all the love to our community, to our loyal customers,” she said.
She appeals to people not to take advantage of small businesses and support them through a challenging time.
“We need your help,” she said. “More than ever.”
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