Moonah owner Tobin Kent denies bullying allegations
Moonah head chef and owner Tobin Kent has hit back at accusations of racism, bullying and providing alcohol to underage staff.
The popular Victorian restaurant owner is alleged to have bullied staff so severely they required psychological treatment, mimicked an Asian colleague’s appearance, and used degrading language towards employees.
The allegations come following an investigation by The Age, however in response to questions by the media organisation, Kent engaged lawyers and threatened legal action saying he was “committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive” workplace.
“I reject the contention that Moonah has cultural issues and to the extent that there have been issues in the past, I have worked hard to ensure they are not repeated and that staff feel safe, included and supported,” he said.
Moonah is a small, but popular restaurant in Geelong, which was awarded Victoria’s Restaurant of The Year at the Good Food awards in November.
However, on receiving his award he was heckled by some audience members.
The Age interviewed 14 current and former employees and colleagues. Some described Kent as “passionate”, however others deemed his passion to be bullying.
Amy Tsai is one former employee, who told The Age she felt bullied.
Tsai was a sommelier and front-of-house manager in 2021 and has accused Kent of racist behaviour including mimicking Asian accents.
“The treatment at Moonah was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced – unethical and appalling, far beyond what anyone should endure in the workplace,” she told The Age.
“He just does whatever he wants and has absolutely no concern for other people.”
Tsai claims she developed anxiety and saw a psychologist for the first time in her life. After sharing a letter from the psychologist with Tsai, he dismissed her claims.
Kent claims he never received a formal complaint, but a month after presenting the letter Tsai resigned.
“I am proudly of direct Asian descent, born in Thailand and migrated to Australia with my family. I abhor racism and reject any suggestion I have acted in a racist way towards either staff or guests,” Kent said in a statement.
Former employee Adam Bowditch claims chef Tobin Kent made racist remarks towards a Taiwanese colleague, including mimicking her accent and making stereotypical gestures.
In fact, several employees described a pattern of bullying behaviour, including frequent yelling, demeaning comments, and public humiliation. Shaynesha Page reported experiencing significant anxiety and depression due to the alleged treatment.
Former employee Laurence Hanser and two parents allege Kent provided alcohol to underage female employees.
Kent denies all allegations, attributing staff turnover to the demanding nature of fine dining. He maintains that feedback, while sometimes blunt, was always professional.
However, the allegations have prompted an investigation by Liquor Control Victoria.
Jonathan Jackson, 13th January 2025
