Top eatery franchisee booted in assault row
AN Ocean Basket franchise owner who assaulted an employee has been removed from the restaurant.
Ocean Basket chief executive Grace Harding said the man was immediately removed when they became aware of the assault.
CCTV footage shows the owner of the Lakefield Ocean Basket in Benoni assaulting a junior staff member.
The footage is creating outrage on social media‚ with calls for the store to be boycotted.
The one-minute footage‚ taken from CCTV cameras at the store‚ shows the manager smacking a staff member in the face.
The staff member‚ backs off with the suspect casually following until his victim is backed up against a corner counter‚ where the assault continues. The man is also seen kneeing him in the body area.
Harding said they were disgusted by what had happened. “It’s absolutely appalling.”
She said the assault‚ which occurred last month‚ became public last week when it was posted on Facebook.
“When we saw it we immediately went to the store where we confronted the owner. We immediately removed him from our brand. We have provided counselling services to the employee who was assaulted.”
She said the attack‚ which was completely unwarranted‚ occurred after the employee‚ who has worked for Ocean Basket for nine years‚ allegedly broke a rule at the store.
“But‚ regardless of whether he broke a rule or committed a serious offence‚ as is alleged‚ this is not the way to deal with it.
“The behaviour of the owner‚ who has serious problems‚ was completely unwarranted. There are appropriate reporting mechanisms‚ which should have been followed.”
Harding said the employee had been advised of his rights in terms of the law.
“He for now has chosen not to lay criminal charges‚ but that could change depending on the outcome of the social services provided to him.”
She said her focus now was on ensuring all their staff felt safe at all their franchises.
“We have addressed the staff‚ and those at this store have indicated they want to continue working with the new owner.”