Merivale, Australia’s largest hospitality company, has been excluded from the prestigious Good Food Guide following serious allegations of worker exploitation, prioritizing VIP treatment over staff safety, and ignoring claims of sexual harassment. The exclusion comes after investigations by this masthead, Good Food, and 60 Minutes brought these issues to light.
Sarah Norris, head of Good Food, confirmed that venues under the Merivale banner, including Totti’s, Mr Wong, Mimi’s, and Uccello, have been deemed ineligible for the upcoming edition of the Good Food Guide. “Allegations against the billion-dollar company, which operates about 90 venues across NSW and Victoria, 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,” Norris stated.
Background and Investigation
The investigation revealed a pattern of underpayment, exploitation of female staff, encouragement of inappropriate relationships with customers, and a culture of sexual harassment and drug use. “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, the criteria for a Good Food Guide hat have expanded to exclude establishments with credible allegations of unsafe work environments.
Merivale, owned by billionaire Justin Hemmes, has denied these allegations. In a statement, the company emphasized its history of delivering impressive venues and its pride in its staff’s dedication. “We do not require the validation of the Good Food Guide to continue to do so and thrive,” Merivale asserted.
Legal and Industry Reactions
Merivale has accused the investigating bodies of making vexatious assertions, claiming that an investigation by Kate Eastman, SC, found these allegations unsubstantiated. However, the company has not released the Eastman report, citing legal professional privilege. In contrast, Merivale pointed out that Nine Entertainment, the publisher of Good Food, has faced its own findings of systemic workplace issues.
Previously, Merivale boasted several high-ranking restaurants in the Good Food Guide, including Bert’s Bar & Brasserie, Fred’s, Mr. Wong, and Mimi’s, all of which held two hats. The company also had six establishments with one hat, including Totti’s in Lorne, Victoria.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Settlements
The Fair Work Ombudsman is currently investigating Merivale. Eight former chefs from Mexico, including Rodrigo Zavaleta and Rodrigo Santos, have alleged overwork, underpayment, and racial discrimination. Last November, Merivale agreed to a $19.25 million settlement with over 2800 staff members who claimed they were underpaid under an invalid enterprise agreement between 2013 and 2019. This settlement followed a class action lawsuit alleging underpayment of up to $129 million over six years, although Merivale did not admit wrongdoing.
“In June, this masthead revealed allegations Merivale was still effectively forcing staff to work at least one day per week free under a company-wide policy initiated from at least July 2024.”
Implications for the Hospitality Industry
The exclusion of Merivale from the Good Food Guide underscores a growing scrutiny within the hospitality industry regarding workplace practices. As consumers become more aware of the ethical implications of their dining choices, establishments are increasingly held accountable for their treatment of staff.
The move by Good Food to exclude Merivale reflects a broader trend towards transparency and accountability in the industry. As the Fair Work Ombudsman continues its investigation, the outcomes could set significant precedents for how hospitality businesses operate in Australia.
Meanwhile, Merivale’s response and the ongoing legal proceedings will likely continue to capture public attention, potentially influencing future industry practices and consumer expectations.
