It seems that renowned chef John Tesar’s fiery temper has once again gotten the better of him. After just three months of running his own restaurant, Knife Modern Steak, at the upscale Laguna Cliffs Marriott in California, Tesar has been shown the door. This sudden departure comes on the heels of a blow-out confrontation with striking workers represented by Unite Here Local 11. In a video that went viral, Tesar can be seen hurling insults and vulgarities at picketing hospitality workers, including telling them to “take your union and shove it up your ass” and “suck my d–k.” His behavior escalated to the point where he even broke a drum one of the workers was holding, adding physical aggression to his verbal tirade.
Unsurprisingly, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott has decided to part ways with Tesar, citing his actions as being contradictory to their values and commitment to providing a positive and safe work environment for their associates. A representative for the hotel made it clear that they have a zero-tolerance policy for violence of any kind and have removed Tesar from the property. It is evident that this incident has irreparably tarnished his reputation, and the hotel is looking to move forward with a fresh start. They have plans to “rebrand with a new upscale concept in late 2023,” signaling their desire to distance themselves from Tesar and his controversial behavior.
This is not the first time Tesar has found himself in the midst of controversy. Back in 2009, while working at the Texas restaurant The Mansion, he faced numerous complaints from 20 employees regarding his behavior. Accusations ranged from insults about physical appearance, such as calling someone “tall, fat, and stupid,” to making racially insensitive remarks, like referring to a Colombian employee as “the laziest Colombian I have ever seen.” Tesar insisted that he was not fired but left the restaurant for financial reasons. Nonetheless, this earlier incident speaks to a disturbing pattern of behavior that has now resurfaced with his recent confrontation.
John Tesar’s fall from grace is particularly disheartening given his previous accomplishments and influential connections within the culinary world. He was a close friend of the late chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain, who referred to him as the “most talented cook I ever worked with” in his books. Tesar’s reputation as a James Beard Foundation semifinalist and his involvement in high-profile events, such as designing the rehearsal dinner for Tommy Mottola and Mariah Carey’s 1993 wedding, further cemented his status as a prominent and respected figure in the industry. However, it is crucial to recognize that talent and achievement do not excuse or justify inexcusable behavior.
It appears that Tesar has not fully learned from his past mistakes and has allowed his temper to cloud his judgment once more. In an interview with Eater, Tesar acknowledged that the incident was not his proudest moment but defended his actions by claiming that the striking workers had harassed his children due to the noise caused by the picketing. While it is understandable to be protective of one’s family, resorting to verbal abuse and aggression is never an acceptable response. Tesar’s failure to take responsibility for his actions and instead shift the blame onto others shows a lack of self-awareness and an inability to address his own flaws.
With his departure from the Laguna Cliffs Marriott, it remains to be seen what the future holds for John Tesar. Reputational damage of this magnitude is not easily overcome, especially in an industry that places a significant emphasis on professionalism and respect. Tesar’s outbursts have not only tarnished his own name but also undermined the months of hard work and dedication put into establishing Knife Modern Steak. As the restaurant goes through a rebranding process, it serves as a symbolic clean slate, a chance to move past Tesar’s influence and create an environment centered on integrity and collaboration.
John Tesar’s recent expulsion from Knife Modern Steak serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that come with unchecked anger and a lack of respect for others. It is crucial for both aspiring chefs and established culinary figures to understand the importance of maintaining professionalism, empathy, and self-control in their interactions. While Tesar’s talent cannot be denied, it is essential to separate the art from the artist and hold individuals accountable for their behavior. Only through introspection and personal growth can one hope to overcome the shadow cast by their own actions.