Chef Guy Grossi may cut ties with Jon Adgemis
Iconic chef Guy Grossi is considering cutting ties with Jon Adgemis and his pub empire Public Hospitality Group.
Adgemis established a hospitality group that now includes over 20 pubs, bars, and hotels, such as Oxford House and The Norfolk in Sydney, Karen Martini’s Saint George, and Guy Grossi’s Puttanesca. However, Public Hospitality has struggled since a refinancing effort earlier this year, with some businesses within the group facing collapse.
Several of Adgemis’ former hospitality collaborators have distanced themselves from him; most recently, in July, the Maybe Group, which operates Sydney cocktail bars, severed all ties with him and his companies.
Further concerns arose among Adgemis’ business partners when administrators for several of his companies informed creditors last week that he had made $9 million in transfers, and their preliminary investigation indicated that the business may have operated insolvent for years.
Adgemis defended these transfers, claiming they were for legitimate business purposes.
Grossi Group acts as a supplier of consulting services for Public Hospitality Group’s Puttanesca restaurant.
“It is not and has never been involved in the day-to-day operations of Public Hospitality Group,” a Grossi Group spokeswoman said.
The Grossi Group is disappointed in reports of Public Hospitality’s handling of its staff and suppliers.
“The allegations made in those reports do not accord with our values as a family, how we treat our staff or suppliers, or how we do business in general,” the spokeswoman said. “We are currently taking advice about our ongoing relationship with Public Hospitality Group.”
A split is yet to happen and is yet to be defined.
“In the meantime, we will continue to deliver high-quality services to customers of Puttanesca and support the team,” the spokeswoman said.
Jonathan Jackson, 28th October 2024
