A famous dish from The Room by Kozeen Shiwan. Photo: Tuomas Lindgren
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Helsinki’s Michelin-starred restaurant The Room is facing legal proceedings after its former head chef filed a lawsuit over what he describes as unlawful dismissal.
Court documents state that the chef was dismissed in April following what he called the “impulsive behaviour and loud shouting” of owner Kozeen Shiwan. He claims the real reason was his refusal to sign a confidentiality agreement presented by the employer.
He was ordered to leave immediately and says his final salary was paid two months late. He is seeking compensation equal to ten months’ wages.
The restaurant, located on Pohjois-Esplanadi, closed its doors abruptly this summer. Shiwan announced the shutdown in a statement, saying operations were suspended but new projects were planned. He has not given interviews on the matter.
Several former staff members told Helsingin Sanomat they had already resigned before the closure due to dissatisfaction with Shiwan’s behaviour. They did not specify details but said the situation had caused multiple departures at the same time, disrupting both kitchen and service operations.
Employees reported being asked to sign confidentiality agreements. Some were required to do so at the start of their employment, while others were asked suddenly during their contracts. The dismissed head chef refused.
Lawyer Matti Penttinen, representing the chef, said the agreements were unusual for restaurant staff. “In restaurant work there is no need for confidentiality agreements. They are usually required only at management level,” he told HS.
Henry Vähtäri, a lawyer with the Service Union United (PAM), commented on such agreements in general. “Agreement requires consent from both sides. If a worker refuses, there should be no negative consequences. It cannot be grounds for termination,” he said. Vähtäri added that high-end restaurants sometimes use agreements to protect recipes but noted that they cannot be imposed mid-employment.
The Room was awarded a Michelin star shortly after opening. It had just 14 customer seats but had advertised for multiple staff in June, including a sous chef, chef and front-of-house positions. Former job postings described the restaurant as “fastest, most passionate, most uncompromising”.
In practice, the restaurant had struggled to maintain staffing levels and had cancelled bookings at short notice during the summer.
Restaurant group Noho Partners, which has operated as a partner at the premises, said it learned of the closure only when the announcement was made. Deputy CEO Maria Koivula said the company would continue as tenant and would begin new planning work for the space in the autumn.
The case is pending at Helsinki District Court.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
