Keshet Ta'amim Fires Chef Dudu Outmezgine Amid Million-Shekel Dispute
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Keshet Ta'amim has fired chef Dudu Outmezgine, its head patissier and a 30% shareholder, amid a bitter dispute. The partnership, formed in 2022, soured over management disagreements, leading Outmezgine to sue for 368,000 shekels. Keshet Ta'amim cited Outmezgine's problematic behavior, while a parking controversy added to the public relations crisis. The employment contract was ending, but the partnership agreement remains active.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Keshet Ta'amim fired chef Dudu Outmezgine, its head patissier and a 30% shareholder.
- The partnership, formed in 2022, was valued at approximately 50 million shekels.
- Outmezgine sued Keshet Ta'amim for 368,000 shekels, alleging minority shareholder oppression.
- Keshet Ta'amim cited Outmezgine's problematic behavior and a parking controversy.
- Outmezgine's employment contract was set to expire in three months.
- The partnership agreement between Outmezgine and Keshet Ta'amim remains in effect.
The prominent Israeli food group Keshet Ta'amim has terminated its professional relationship with renowned chef-patissier Dudu Outmezgine, who served as the chain's head chef. Outmezgine, who still holds a 30% stake in the brand bearing his name, was immediately dismissed. The partnership, formed in 2022 when Keshet Ta'amim acquired 70% of Outmezgine's patisserie chain for approximately 50 million shekels, aimed to expand the brand and integrate its high-end desserts into Keshet Ta'amim's supermarkets.
However, the collaboration quickly soured, leading to disputes over management and control. Outmezgine sued Keshet Ta'amim for 368,000 shekels, alleging minority shareholder oppression, unilateral decisions, exclusion from decision-making, and the withholding of his company car, which was subsequently confiscated. He also claimed the company refused to fund his luxury vehicle upgrade, contrary to his employment agreement.
Keshet Ta'amim presented a contrasting view, citing Outmezgine's problematic behavior that did not align with corporate standards. The situation was further complicated by a public relations crisis after a video surfaced showing Outmezgine's luxury car parked in a disabled spot, sparking public outrage and exacerbating tensions.
Keshet Ta'amim stated that after a thorough process, the company decided to end its engagement with Outmezgine, whose employment contract was set to expire in three months anyway. The company emphasized that the partnership agreement remains in effect. The future of the successful dessert chain is now uncertain, with its namesake and a significant shareholder removed from his operational role.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Other 1
