Friendship of Two Decades Crumbles Amidst Restaurant Dispute
Allegations of drinking on the job and legal threats marked the end of a long-standing friendship between a chef and a restaurant owner.
A friendship that lasted 20 years has reportedly ended in a bitter dispute between Japanese fine dining chef Michiaki Miyazaki and Besuto owner Joel Best. The conflict, which played out via explosive WhatsApp messages and led to legal threats, involved claims of drinking on the job and allegations of working 70-hour weeks.
The situation escalated after Miyazaki was dismissed from his role at Besuto, a high-end Japanese restaurant located in Sydney's Salesforce Tower. The Fair Work Commission heard that Best informed staff during an all-hands meeting on March 5 that multiple warnings had been issued regarding alcohol consumption at work, and further infractions would lead to termination. It was subsequently stated that Miyazaki was fired for drinking on the job and an inability to perform his duties.
Evidence presented included WhatsApp messages exchanged following Miyazaki's dismissal. In these messages, Best reportedly told supplier group chats, which still included Miyazaki, that the chef had been "fired for drinking on the job and not being able to perform." Other messages produced to the Fair Work Commission appeared to contain heated exchanges and legalistic warnings, with one message stating, "Hope you can afford a lawyer."
Miyazaki had reportedly been working extensive hours, with the Fair Work Commission being told he was working 70-hour weeks. Besuto, described as a traditional Japanese restaurant, offers bespoke set menus starting at $280 per person and features an extensive whisky menu. The dispute marks a significant rupture in what was a two-decade-long personal and professional relationship.