A prominent San Francisco chef, Geoffrey Lee, has stepped down from his roles at three celebrated restaurants following a highly publicized and contentious fallout with food influencer Kat Ensign. The conflict erupted dramatically after Ensign posted a critical review of Lee’s Hamburger Project on social media, which sparked a series of abusive and inflammatory messages from Lee that were subsequently shared online, igniting widespread outrage and debate within the culinary community.
Key Takeaways
- Geoffrey Lee resigned from his positions at Ju-Ni, Handroll Project, and Hamburger Project.
- The controversy began after influencer Kat Ensign posted a review of Hamburger Project, calling the food “good but not great.”
- Lee’s response included personal attacks on Ensign, which were made public and led to significant backlash.
- The restaurants’ management condemned Lee’s behavior, stating it did not reflect their values.
Background of the Incident
Geoffrey Lee, known for his Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Ju-Ni, was at the center of a social media storm after influencer Kat Ensign shared her thoughts on Hamburger Project’s offerings. Ensign’s review, which described the smashburgers as “good not great,” sparked a heated exchange between the two.
Lee’s reaction was swift and aggressive. He labeled Ensign a “disgusting fangirl” and criticized her voice, among other personal remarks. This exchange escalated when Ensign shared screenshots of Lee’s messages with her followers, leading to widespread condemnation of his behavior.
The Fallout
As the situation intensified, Lee’s restaurants faced a barrage of negative reviews on platforms like Yelp, with many users mentioning Lee by name. In response to the growing backlash, the management of Lee’s restaurants announced his immediate departure, stating:
“We have zero tolerance for the behavior he’s exhibited in recent weeks. As a company, we unequivocally condemn all forms of bullying and harassment whether online or in real life.”
Lee expressed regret over the incident, stating that he resigned to protect his staff from the fallout of his actions. He acknowledged that his behavior was inappropriate and that he had signed up for therapy to address the situation.
The Broader Implications
This incident highlights the increasingly fraught relationship between chefs and food influencers in the digital age. Lee’s comments reflect a growing frustration among some chefs regarding the influence of social media personalities on their businesses. Many chefs feel that influencers wield significant power over public perception, often without accountability for their critiques.
Lee’s case serves as a cautionary tale for culinary professionals navigating the complex dynamics of social media. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect, even in the face of criticism.
Conclusion
Geoffrey Lee’s unexpected resignation serves as a stark reminder of the significant risks associated with unchecked emotions on social media platforms. This incident not only highlights the potential consequences of impulsive reactions but also urges chefs, culinary professionals, and social media influencers alike to navigate the delicate balance between their personal feelings and professional responsibilities with utmost care and consideration.
Sources
- Geoffrey Lee of Ju-Ni and Hamburger Project in SF leaves restaurants, San Francisco Chronicle.
- San Francisco quits three restaurants after abusive DMs surface, The San Francisco Standard.
- Head Chef at Three San Francisco Restaurants Steps Down After a Clash With Local Food Influencer – Eater SF, Eater SF.
- Vicious war breaks out between Michelin-starred chef and glamorous influencer… as he makes shock move | Daily Mail Online, Daily Mail.
- Chef Geoffrey Lee quits restaurants after spat with influencer, New York Post.