Guest Chef Night: Chef Karuna Long

Karuna Long was born in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood to teenage parents who bravely escaped the horrors of the Khmer Rouge. His father, Vichan, a talented Cambodian musician, and his mother, Sophon, a skilled traditional Khmer Robam dancer and singer, set the foundation for a rich cultural legacy.

A year after Karuna’s birth, the family moved to Marietta, Georgia, leaving Sophon’s family behind to be closer to Vichan’s relatives and to a climate reminiscent of Cambodia. A decade later, they relocated to Long Beach, CA, pursuing a vibrant Cambodian community. Karuna pursued his passion for music by studying Jazz at UCLA and spent years in NYC and LA working in the hospitality industry while chasing his musical dreams.

In 2010, he returned to Seattle, ready to immerse himself in the restaurant scene and solidify his career. Over a decade, he honed his skills, managing cocktail programs and consulting in Seattle, LA, and NYC. After two years as a bartender at Oliver’s Twist, Karuna took a bold step: he bought the business in 2017. His talent didn’t go unnoticed. In 2018, he proudly earned the title of one of Seattle’s Favorite Bartenders.

Karuna’s restaurant, Sophon, stands as a tribute to his mother and his culture, making a significant impact. It was named one of the 20 Best New Restaurants of 2024 by Bon Appétit magazine, alongside accolades for Best Beverage Program amongst the 20 BNR and recognition from Seattle Met and The Stranger. Karuna is determined to leverage Sophon as a launching point to provide vital training and education in all areas of hospitality operations for survivors of human and sex trafficking in Cambodia. His ambition is clear, and he is committed to making a difference.

Guest Chef Night pairs premier local chefs with FareStart students to create a three-course meal served by volunteer community members. All revenue and donations from Guest Chef Night support FareStart’s job training and placement programs.