Ken Friedman’s Times Takedown Details Key Problems Facing the Industry
Skift Take
Ken Friedman is the latest industry boldface name to face accusations of inappropriate and abusive behavior, and has stepped away from his job as a result. As these stories continue to come to light, we must work to identify the underlying problems to repair the damage and move forward.
Restaurateur Ken Friedman created a hostile workplace that fostered a culture of sexual harassment, The New York Times' Julia Moskin and Kim Severson reported on Tuesday.
Friedman is the business partner of chef April Bloomfield at The Spotted Pig, The John Dory Oyster Bar, The Breslin Bar & Dining Room, and Salvation Taco in New York; Tosca Cafe in San Francisco; and the newly opened Hearth and Hound in Los Angeles. The James Beard Foundation named Friedman restaurateur of the year in 2016.
This story is not political by nature, but it is by association. The restaurant industry is just the latest under the spotlight of sexual harassment accusations; the Friedman piece is the second major news item this week following revelations about Mario Batali on Monday. Additionally this week, former workers sued McCormick & Schmick's alleging abusive behavior in the kitchen.
The Issues
Several key excerpts from The New York Times story outline some of the fundamental problems behind
