Burgertory boss Hash Tayeh quits and says ‘the decision hasn’t come lightly’

Hash Tayeh, the high-profile head of the Melbourne fast-food chain, has resigned as CEO of Burgertory and food and beverage company QSR Collective.

Hash Tayeh has stood down. Picture: Olivia Jenkins

Founder and CEO of Melbourne burger restaurant chain ‘Burgertory’ has quit amid a liquidation probe and mounting tax debt.

Hash Tayeh took to Instagram on Wednesday night to announce his formal resignation as CEO of Burgertory and food and beverage company QSR Collective.

“The decision hasn’t come lightly, but it comes with complete conviction,” he said.

Mr Tayeh says his decision to quit came with complete conviction. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“When I started Burgertory, it was never just about burgers. It was about building something unapologetically bold.”

Mr Tayeh went on to explain that the business has become the first fast food chain in Australia to introduce “a profit-sharing model across all staff, not just the boardroom.”

He confirmed the Melbourne-born business still plans to “take on the world” ahead of the fast food chain’s anticipated opening in the Philippines later this year.

“This isn’t me stepping away because we’re winding down, this is me stepping aside so Burgertory can soar higher.”

Mr Tayeh says Burgertory can soar higher. Picture: Wayne Taylor

The 35-year-old Palestinian-Australian businessman and activist is vocal in his support for Palestine, online and in person at rallies.

In 2023, the Caulfield Burgertory branch was burnt down by arsonists triggering Mr Tayeh and his family to move into a safe house.

Only a year later, his house was allegedly firebombed while he and his family were asleep.

“The reality is, I’ve been subjected to targeted attacks, politically motivated smears, and ongoing harassment, not because of any wrongdoing, but because I’ve dared to speak out against injustice,” he said.

“While I will never apologise for my activism, or my voice, I cannot allow these attacks to become collateral damage for the people who’ve helped build this empire.”

Mr Tayeh said that his decision was made to protect others from being caught in the crossfire of his controversies and to “protect the livelihoods of every stakeholder who deserves to thrive without being dragged into a fight that isn’t theirs.”

He went on to thank his team and employees for being a part of the businesses “legacy”.

“To every team member, franchise, customer, supporter, and believer, thank you,”

“You helped build this.”