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Besh downfall could signal end of industry’s ‘meathead culture’Besh downfall could signal end of industry’s ‘meathead culture’

Lessons are being learned — but will it turn the tide?

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

October 25, 2017

4 Min Read
Besh downfall could signal end of industry’s ‘meathead culture’
zaemiel/iStock/Thinkstock

News of sexual harassment allegations involving prominent New Orleans restaurateur John Besh and his company has many in the restaurant industry wondering whether the tide is turning on bad behavior in kitchens.

The allegations were revealed in a New Orleans Times-Picayune report on Saturday. By Monday, Besh had stepped down as CEO of the restaurant group he co-owns, which operates 11 concepts including the celebrated August, Borgne, Dominica and Johnny Sánchez.

Knowing the news was coming, former partner — and celebrated chef in his own right —Alon Shaya split with Besh weeks ago, and is fighting for trademark rights to the restaurant Shaya, co-owned by Besh’s group. Harrah’s New Orleans casino cut ties with the group, pledging to rename ...

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About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

[email protected]

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

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