Lettuce Entertain You chef behind RPM restaurants steps down
Move follows reports of assault; other industry players face similar allegations
A prominent chef working with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, or LEYE, has left the company following reports that he assaulted a co-worker.
Doug Psaltis, who was working with the Chicago-based multiconcept group’s RPM restaurants and the Windy City Smokeout barbecue event, stepped down as of Nov. 1, the company confirmed, without offering explanation.
“Doug is a talented chef, and as we do with all of our alumni, we wish him well in his future endeavors,” the company said in a statement. “It is Lettuce Entertain You’s policy to not comment on personnel matters. We respect the privacy of all of our employees both past and present.”
Eater’s report said Psaltis is the “P” in the RPM family of restaurants operated by LEYE, which includes RPM Steak, RPM Italian and RPM On The Water.
According to the report, three people told Eater that Psaltis attacked a colleague at RPM Steak, grabbing and violently shaking him by the shoulder. Former employees also told Eater of Psaltis’ reputation for having a temper.
Psaltis could not be reached, but on Monday he provided this comment to Eater: