Fast-food entrepreneur Hash Tayeh has stepped down as CEO of Burgertory and QSR Collective, following a tumultuous period marked by legal challenges and a substantial tax bill. Tayeh’s resignation comes less than a month after the Australian Tax Office (ATO) issued a $1 million tax assessment, citing unpaid taxes and superannuation contributions by 12 companies linked to him.
The ATO alleges that these companies failed to fulfill their tax obligations during Tayeh’s tenure as director. In a separate legal matter, Tayeh, who is of Palestinian descent, faces charges for allegedly making inflammatory remarks at a Melbourne rally last year. He has dismissed these charges as “baseless.”
Resignation Announcement and Public Reaction
On Wednesday night, Tayeh took to Instagram to announce his resignation, stating, “The decision hasn’t come lightly, but it comes with complete conviction.” He expressed that his departure was driven by a desire to protect those associated with his businesses from the fallout of what he describes as politically motivated attacks.
“I’ve been subjected to targeted attacks, politically motivated smears, and ongoing harassment,” Tayeh wrote. “While I will never apologise for my activism or my voice, I cannot allow these attacks to become collateral damage for the people who’ve helped build this empire.”
Legal and Financial Challenges
In an interview with the ABC last month, Tayeh accused the tax office of engaging in a “campaign of targeted harassment.” He contended that most of the implicated companies were owned and operated by Burgertory licensees, not him directly.
Adding to his legal woes, Tayeh reported moving his family to a safe house after receiving a death threat via social media. This threat followed an arson attack on his Caulfield North outlet in November 2023, where a petrol bomb caused damage to the premises.
“This is not a tax issue — it’s a campaign of targeted harassment against me,” Tayeh asserted.
Business Growth Amidst Turmoil
Despite these challenges, Tayeh underscored the ongoing expansion of Burgertory, which he founded in 2018. “Last week we opened our Greensborough store, our Philippines flagship launches in November, and we’ve got multiple new sites rolling out across New South Wales,” he noted in his Instagram post.
He emphasized that his resignation does not signify the end for Burgertory or QSR Collective but rather the beginning of “new chapters, new leadership, new energy, and new horizons.”
Looking Ahead
In his post-resignation plans, Tayeh intends to focus on mentoring and consulting aspiring entrepreneurs. He aims to help them build “powerful, purpose-led businesses, without compromise.” Additionally, he plans to devote significant attention to his legal battles, which he views as a fight for free speech.
“I’ll be giving full attention to fighting the legal battle I’ve been forced into for daring to speak truth in a so-called democratic nation,” Tayeh declared.
The resignation of Hash Tayeh marks a significant shift in leadership for Burgertory and QSR Collective, as both companies navigate the challenges ahead. The business community will be watching closely to see how these brands adapt and evolve under new management.
