Local restaurateurs Jonathon and Amelia Sawyer are the latest in the culinary industry to react to accusations of sexual harassment against their friend, Chef Mario Batali.
In a statement given to WKYC Channel 3, Amelia Sawyer wrote:
While there is light being shined on the restaurant industry today, both Jonathon and I believe this issue of sexual harassment lies across all aspects of our culture. We have both worked very hard to create an environment of equality and support in our restaurants and while we are aware that others do not, we believe that what we do inspires those who leave our kitchens to open their own to do the same thing.
The Sawyers own and operate The Greenhouse Tavern, Trentina, and Noodlecat in the Cleveland-area. They also have two restaurants at First Energy Stadium and one more at Quicken Loans Arena.
Multiple anonymous women alleged in a story by online food-trade publication Eater New York that Batali had groped their breasts or buttocks, amid other allegations.
Batali is stepping down from his company and TV show for an indefinite period.
In addition to the Sawyers, other notable chefs have reacted to the Batali story:
