Last week, it was revealed Dinner by Heston in Melbourne underpaid staff by more than $4m over three years, according to liquidators
The United Workers Union said $4.5 million is owed to workers of Dinner by Heston, which operates at the Crown complex in Melbourne.
The business is “best described as a joint venture” between Crown and restaurant owner Tipsy Cake Pty Ltd, provisional liquidators BRI Ferrier said in a creditors’ report.
“The major financial issue confronting the company is the underpayment of employee entitlements over a period of four years from commencement of business until circa June 2019 when the employment arrangements were changed to comply with employment legislation,” it said.
The axing of Blumenthal comes just one day after it was confirmed that most of fellow ex-MasterChef judge George Calombaris’s hospitality empire had been placed into voluntary administration.
George took to social media to speak of his “devastation”, following a meeting on Monday. It comes following a major underpayment scandal which made national headlines.
“My dream for MADE Establishment 13 years ago was a vision to create something truly special,” he said.
“Although we have all continued to work tirelessly and overcome the many challenges we have recently experienced, it is with deep sadness and regret that today MADE Establishment has been placed into voluntary administration.”
“To all of my team, I truly regret it has come to this.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty and friendship.”
The news comes as Calombaris’ family property in Melbourne’s affluent Toorak was listed for sale.
Made Establishment group employs about 500 staff at its 18 restaurants.
It comes less than a year after the former MasterChef judge was forced to fork out $7.83 million in wages to 515 current and former employees.
Calombaris told the ABC at the time that he was "gutted" and "took full responsibility".