Staff make claims as MasterChef star’s ailing eateries in debt

Companies linked to MasterChef “Dessert King” Reynold Poernomo have been accused of failing to pay staff their super entitlements and wages, with creditors owed around $500,000 following the collapse of one of his family companies.

“Dessert King” Reynold Poernomo. Picture: Supplied

Companies linked to MasterChef “Dessert King” Reynold Poernomo have been accused of failing to pay staff their super entitlements and wages, with creditors owed around $500,000 following the collapse of one of his family companies.

Poernomo opened Monkey’s Corner in Chippendale with his brothers Ronald and Arnold in 2017 after he shot to fame on the reality cooking show, but the Japanese-inspired bar suddenly shut up shop after seven years following an announcement on Instagram.

While the social media post promised the Poernomo boys were “cooking up something new”, it can be revealed administrators have been appointed and the business is in liquidation – owing almost $500,000 to suppliers, the tax office and in unpaid super.

Staff missed out on $76,000 in super payments while the ATO is owed $458,002.17.

Documents obtained from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission reveal the business also owes more than $5000 to Sunnyside Financial Group and ASIC itself.

Koi Dessert Kitchen Ryde owners Ronald Poernomo, Ike Malada and Reynold Poernomo.

And it’s feared the famed Koi Dessert Kitchens in Chippendale and Ryde could be next – despite one of the managing companies – known as Art Plate Pty Ltd – undergoing a restructure in 2024 following financial woes.

The cakes sold at the shops were made famous by Poernomo on MasterChef in 2015, which saw him crowned the nation’s “Dessert King” as he placed as a finalist in the cooking competition.

Monkeys Corner Restaurant in Chippendale, which has closed down Picture: Tim Hunter

It’s understood several suppliers have been chasing the Poernomo brothers for unpaid invoices related to Koi – some in the tens of thousands of dollars. One supplier told the Poernomos he would be ceasing work for the business due to unpaid wages, but said he would recommence once his bills were paid.

Monkey’s Corner was operated by an overarching company named ArnoldPo, run by the middle Poernomo brother, Arnold. Arts Plate and JRP Desserts Pty Ltd run the Koi Dessert bars, with oldest brother Ronald and the family matriarch Boyce – also known as Ike – listed as the directors.

Youngest brother Reynold is not listed as a director of any of the companies, however, his website says he owns and operates the businesses with his brothers.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, staff told the Telegraph they had been chasing the Poernomos for unpaid super and delayed wages – and that the issue began in December, before hours and staff were cut.

“We are chasing what we are owed and it’s become very stressful and toxic,” they said.

“Many staff have left.”

Each of the Poernomo brothers were contacted for comment, however, did not respond.

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Originally published as Staff make claims as MasterChef star’s ailing eateries in debt