Al Yazbek still touting for reservations despite ‘leaving’ Nomad in wake of Nazi sign outcry

Al Yazbek still owns 50 per cent of the Nomad restaurant group and has been messaging clients for bookings, despite stepping down as director following community outcry when he displayed a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestinian protest.

High-profile restaurateur Alan Yazbek still owns 50 per cent of the Nomad restaurant group and has been messaging clients, urging them to book Christmas reservations, despite being ejected from managing the day-to-day operations of the eatery after community outcry when he displayed a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestinian protest.

As of Wednesday, restaurant owner Yazbek, 56, was removed as company secretary director of the newly named Edition Hospitality, formerly Nomad Group.

Even though his “furious” wife Rebecca was appointed sole director of the newly restructured hospitality firm in the wake of Yazbek’s actions, he has not cut ties with the company but has been retained as a silent partner.

His clients have revealed he has been texting messages urging them to lock in Christmas bookings at his three sought-after eateries: Nomad in Sydney and Melbourne, and premium modern French restaurant Reine & La Rue, in Melbourne.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Reine & La Rue’s co-head chef, Israeli-born Jew Rotem Papo, quit almost immediately after his boss Yazbek was spotted brandishing a sign bearing a swastika superimposed on an Israeli flag during a Pro Palestine rally through Sydney.

Al Yazbek with his sign at the pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney in October. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Yazbek last month pleaded guilty to a police charge over the incident.

Fuming patrons have since boycotted the upmarket eateries, which are usually booked solid up to 18 months in advance. At the time of writing, Sydney’s Nomad restaurant had bookings available for most lunch and dinner times for Friday and over the weekend.

Al Yazbek with his wife Rebecca Yazbek, who said she was ‘furious’ at her husband over the incident.

Former Nomad patron Ronn Bechler, president of the Israel For Youth Foundation, denounced the hospitality group’s restructuring to reverse its failing fortunes as “lipstick on a pig”.

The Melbourne executive said: “The phrase lipstick on a pig is a rhetorical term that means to make superficial changes to something or someone in an attempt to hide fundamental flaws – this is exactly what Rebecca Yazbek has done at Nomad Group.

“And she is being advised on her actions by crisis comms firm Wilkinson Butler and Bell Partners — it’s all smoke and mirrors, nothing has changed,” he said.

“Removing her husband Al Yazbek as CEO a few weeks ago and now having him step down from being a director and renaming the company Edition Hospitality is putting lipstick on a pig. Al and Rebecca Yazbek’s business has not changed ownership.

“The Yazbeks still own the business.

“Everyone who eats at, or contracts with, Reine & La Rue in Melbourne and Nomad restaurants in Melbourne and Sydney is funding the Yazbeks. Irrespective of what the head company is called or who is on its board.”

Nomad Sydney was once booked out weeks in advance, now even Fridays are wide open.

Sydney tradie and restaurant-goer Brett Maycock, 63, said he would now never eat at Nomad Sydney.

“I was considering their lunchtime menu – but now no chance. We are supposed to be a tolerant nation and accepting of different religions and colours.

“His actions were deplorable.”

An advert on employment website Seek this week called for section waiters and food runners for the Sydney eatery, which the company said was part of a rolling advert and “nothing to do with staff quitting”.

At the time of the Yazbek’s protest actions, his wife announced should be taking over the business.

“As both his wife and business partner, I was furious with his actions and heartbroken by the harm they caused,” she said.

“I fully understand the disappointment and frustration felt by those affected, and I am committed to doing everything possible to restore your trust.”

Al Yazbek leaving the Downing Centre. After being charged with displaying a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestinian rally and suffering a community backlash, Al Yazbek is no longer involved with his hospitality group. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Rebecca Yazbek said: “Al’s resignation as a director has been filed with ASIC.

“The business restructure advice is now completed and ready for execution,” she said.

“I can now move towards the next phase of the restructure to be the groups sole director and sole shareholder.

“To suggest many staff have walked out since the incident is completely untrue. We have not increased our recruitment and, like most hospitality operators, we work under an ‘always on’ recruitment drive.

“Current bookings reflect the tough economic conditions being felt in the community. Cost of living pressures are impacting the entire industry, especially as we rely on discretionary spending.

“Al has no role in the operation of the business, but as my husband he is encouraging friends and clients to support me and the team as I take over, and for the ongoing success of the business.”

Do you know more? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]