COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The world-renowned chef behind one of Denmark’s most celebrated restaurants has stepped away from his leadership role amid mounting accusations of workplace misconduct and staff mistreatment.
René Redzepi, who built the three-Michelin-starred Noma into a global culinary destination famous for its groundbreaking “New Nordic” cooking style, announced his departure after facing intensifying scrutiny over his treatment of employees at the Copenhagen establishment.
For years, Redzepi has faced criticism regarding his management practices, including allegations of staff mistreatment and his restaurant’s long-standing practice of utilizing unpaid interns to operate the high-end dining establishment. Noma achieved the top spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List on five separate occasions.
The situation reached a breaking point recently when social media criticism intensified and a New York Times report published detailed accounts from former staff members describing abusive treatment, just before the launch of a Noma pop-up location in Los Angeles.
Financial backers withdrew their support for the California venture, which debuted Wednesday amid a small group of demonstrators protesting outside. The exclusive dining experience carries a price tag of $1,500 per person. Shortly afterward, Redzepi posted his resignation announcement on Instagram.
“I have worked to be a better leader and Noma has taken big steps to transform the culture over many years,” he stated on Thursday. “I recognize these changes do not repair the past. An apology is not enough; I take responsibility for my own actions.”
In 2016, Denmark’s then-Queen Margrethe II honored Redzepi with knighthood in the Order of Dannebrog.
Representatives for Noma, Redzepi, and the Danish royal family’s media office did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday.
