Toronto Restaurant Chain Responds to Allegations of Underpaying Staff
A well-known Toronto Middle Eastern restaurant chain is pushing back against claims from former employees alleging underpayment and withheld tips.
Tabule, which operates three locations across the city and is celebrated for its refined yet accessible approach to Middle Eastern cuisine, has been a local favorite since launching in 2005. Dishes like falafel, fried cauliflower, lamb chops, and warm flatbreads have consistently impressed patrons.
However, according to a tip submitted by a self-identified former staff member, the experience behind the scenes may not be as enjoyable as the dining room ambiance suggests.
The anonymous former employee alleges in a statement that during their time at Tabule, they frequently worked well beyond the 44-hour weekly threshold set by the province for overtime, yet were not compensated accordingly.
“After arranging coverage for much-needed sick days, I was denied leave and met with open hostility from ownership,” they added.
They further claim that when they voiced their concerns and filed two separate complaints with the Ministry of Labour, the response from upper management was open animosity and retaliatory behavior, rather than support or resolution.
“These problems persisted throughout my employment and appeared to be systemic,” the former employee told blogTO. “From discussions with other staff, it seems the same concerns—long hours, wage discrepancies, and pressure from ownership—have been ongoing for quite some time.”
They added that these issues did not seem isolated to just one restaurant, but appeared to affect multiple locations across the chain, suggesting a wider, chain-wide pattern rather than a single-site problem.
Tabule Denies Allegations, Cites Commitment to Fair Workplace Practices
When presented with the former employee’s allegations, Tabule firmly denied the claims, stating that such concerns had never been brought to their attention.
“We take great care to ensure our employees have a positive work environment, and we comply with all regulations relating to wages, tipping, and overtime,” the restaurant told blogTO.
“There have been no issues raised at any of our four locations to indicate there is any truth to these allegations.”
Tabule also noted that its president has attended seminars hosted by the Canada Revenue Agency and Restaurants Canada to stay up to date with industry standards and legal obligations. Additionally, the chain highlighted the existence of an employee-led committee responsible for overseeing tip distribution, reinforcing its stance on transparency and compliance.
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