Merivale, Australia’s largest hospitality company, has been notably excluded from the upcoming edition of the Good Food Guide. This decision follows serious allegations of worker exploitation, prioritization of VIP treatment over staff safety, and a culture that allegedly ignored claims of sexual harassment. The exclusion marks a significant shift in the hospitality landscape, as Merivale has been a dominant force in the industry, operating approximately 90 venues across New South Wales and Victoria.
Sarah Norris, head of Good Food, announced the exclusion, citing recent investigations by this masthead, Good Food, and 60 Minutes. “Allegations against the billion-dollar company include, but are not limited to, putting staff in dangerous situations; not protecting the wellbeing of its staff; prioritizing VIP treatment over staff safety, and abuse of power,” said Norris. As a result, Merivale venues such as Totti’s, Mr. Wong, Mimi’s, and Uccello have been deemed ineligible for the guide.
Allegations and Investigations
The investigations have uncovered claims that Merivale underpaid staff, exploited women by encouraging them to engage with customers inappropriately, perpetuated sexual harassment, and facilitated frequent drug use. These revelations have prompted a broader discussion about workplace safety and ethics in the hospitality industry.
“The goal of the Guide is not to tell readers whether they should eat at a restaurant or not, but to provide them with more information to make their own decision,” Norris explained. “In 2025, for a business and its owner to be awarded a Good Food Guide hat and score, that discretion has broadened to exclude restaurants where there are serious and credible allegations that management is not providing a workspace free from harm and sexual harassment.”
Merivale’s Response
Merivale, owned by billionaire Justin Hemmes, has firmly denied the allegations. In a statement, the company emphasized its longstanding reputation for delivering exceptional venues and its pride in the thousands of employees who strive to offer the best to customers. “We do not require the validation of the Good Food Guide to continue to do so and thrive,” the statement read.
The company accused the masthead and Good Food of making vexatious assertions, which it claims were investigated by Kate Eastman, SC, and found to be unsubstantiated. However, Merivale has declined to publicly release the Eastman report, citing legal professional privilege.
“In contrast, SMH and Good Food’s publisher, Nine Entertainment, has been found by an independent report to have a workplace with systemic issues with abuse of power and authority, bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment,” Merivale stated.
Nine Entertainment, the owner of Good Food, publicly released its report into inappropriate workplace behavior last year, acknowledging its own challenges.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
Historically, Merivale has been a powerhouse in the Australian hospitality scene, with several of its restaurants previously holding prestigious positions in the Good Food Guide. The company had four restaurants with two hats, including Bert’s Bar & Brasserie and Fred’s, and six establishments with one hat, such as Bar Totti’s and Ms.G’s.
The exclusion from the Good Food Guide is not just a reputational blow but also brings to light the ongoing scrutiny the company faces from regulatory bodies. The Fair Work Ombudsman is currently investigating Merivale following claims from former chefs, including Rodrigo Zavaleta and Rodrigo Santos, who allege they were overworked, underpaid, and racially discriminated against.
Last November, Merivale agreed to a $19.25 million settlement with over 2800 current and former staff who alleged underpayment under an invalid employee enterprise agreement between December 2013 and December 2019.
This settlement concluded a five-year class action lawsuit initiated by Adero Law in 2019, which claimed Merivale underpaid as many as 14,000 staff up to $129 million over six years. Despite the settlement, the company did not admit any wrongdoing.
Looking Forward
The exclusion of Merivale from the Good Food Guide highlights a growing trend of accountability and transparency within the hospitality industry. As consumer awareness increases, businesses are under more pressure to ensure ethical practices and safe working environments.
While Merivale continues to operate and maintain its venues, the ongoing investigations and public scrutiny could influence future business practices and industry standards. As the Fair Work Ombudsman’s investigation progresses, the findings could further impact Merivale’s operations and its standing in the industry.
For now, the exclusion from the Good Food Guide serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and the potential consequences of failing to uphold these standards.
