Geelong’s Shinya Restaurant Group, owned by Bryan Mu, back in court for alleged wage theft

The operators of a scandal-plagued Geelong Japanese restaurant chain will face court over allegations they did not pay their employees’ owed wages.

Shinya ramen bar in Waurn Ponds. Picture: Peter Ristevski

The operators of a Japanese restaurant chain in Geelong and Torquay are once again facing court, following allegations they did not comply with orders to compensate four employees’ wages.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Shinya Geelong HR Pty Ltd and Shinya Torquay HR Pty Ltd, which operated four now defunct stores in Geelong, Waurn Ponds, and Torquay.

Shinya owner Bryan Mu at Shinya Ramen and Bar Waurn Ponds. Picture: Peter Ristevski

The companies traded as Shinya Ramen and Bar Waurn Ponds, Shinya Ramen Geelong Waterfront, Bayview Bar and Grill, and Shinya Ramen and Bar in Torquay.

Also facing court is Mr Tao ‘Bryan’ Mu, the sole director of both companies.

The Ombudsman alleges the organisation failed to pay employees’ minimum wages for ordinary hours, weekend rates, and public holiday rates, and untaken annual leave when their employment ended.

Four employees, who worked as cooks and waitstaff, requested assistance to recover their earnings. Three were visa holders from Vietnam and China, and one was 18 at the time of employment.

Shinya Ramen and Bar in Waurn Ponds.

The regulator is seeking a combined $9,195.68 from the companies – the sum allegedly owed to the four employees, plus interest and superannuation.

They also face penalties of up to $46,950 for allegedly failing to comply with notices.

Mr Mu faces a penalty of up to $9,390.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws.

“It is crucial visa holders know that they have the same workplace rights as all other workers,” Ms Booth said.

A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on October 7.

The restaurateur has faced dramatic legal and financial battles recently.

In April, liquidator Matthew Blum was appointed to wind up Shinya Japanese Food Producing Pty Ltd by the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation.

Shinya Japanese Food Producing was part of Mr Mu’s Shinya Ramen group.

A year prior, the Federal Court appointed Mr Blum to wind up Shinya Restaurant Group, trading as Golden Dragon Yum Cha. Mr Blum estimated unpaid debts of $527,000 — $507,000 owed to the Australian Taxation Office.

Shinya Ramen and Bar Torquay. Picture: Mark Wilson

In October 2024, Mr Mu was forced to pay $18,000, after two of his restaurants breached food safety standards.

Environmental health officers found staff not washing hands after handling raw chicken and discovered mould in the kitchen.

Geelong Waterfront Seafood and Grill, which traded as Bay View Bar and Grill on Eastern Beach Rd, was also sprung for noncompliance.

It had to pay $20,000 despite having shut its doors for good three months earlier.

Bryan Mu said this is the end of his “Shinya dream”.

“Over the past months and years, I have poured everything I had — emotionally, financially, and physically — into keeping the business afloat.

“While the business has ultimately failed, I have learned powerful and painful lessons — lessons I will carry with me into the future with strength and clarity.

“Moving forward, I am committed to working with Fair Work to ensure that any shortfall of staff entitlements are addressed as fairly and promptly as possible.”

Originally published as Geelong’s Shinya Restaurant Group, owned by Bryan Mu, back in court for alleged wage theft