The owner of Rashays has sparked backlash after telling his staff they would have to find another job if they didn’t want to wear an apron to work.
Outspoken businessman Rami Ykmour shared the blunt suggestion in a video posted on Instagram on Friday.
“If you’re too good to wear an apron, you shouldn’t be working at Rashays,” he said.
The passionate entrepreneur said the work uniform should not be frowned upon, arguing that doctors and surgeons wear aprons.
“We have people in our industry who think they are too good to put an apron on,” Mr Ykmour said.
The entrepreneur says he is “annoyed” by the lawful act and says it sends the wrong message to customers who dine at his restaurant chain.
“It tells me you consider yourself a higher person,” Mr. Ykmour said.
‘We are all the same.’
Rashays owner Rami Ykmour (pictured) gave the blunt advice to some of the restaurant chain’s employees, who reportedly don’t wear aprons
Social media users brutally mocked Ykmour’s comparison between doctors and his employees.
“Doctors wear gloves and also wash their hands,” one person wrote.
“Surgeons don’t have poor hygiene and BO (body odor) when they operate on their patients,” another added.
Others accused him of being “condescending” and said he should set a good example.
“You wear the apron, mate, uniforms can be made smarter and more integral, a cheap apron is demoralizing,” one person wrote.
“Then where’s your apron?” joked a second.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Ykmour for comment.
Food handlers must take necessary precautions to ensure food is not unsafe or unsuitable according to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand guidelines.
The Australian Institute of Food Safety advises food business workers to use a clean apron during every shift.
Employees are urged to replace their aprons when contamination by viruses or other food safety hazards occurs.
Aprons also prevent contaminants from spreading on a food handler’s clothing and can protect workers from stains and spills from food products.
Mr Ykmour opened the first Rashays with his partner Shannon in Liverpool, south-west Sydney, in 1998.
The eatery has since expanded to 32 locations across NSW, Victoria and Queensland and the company employs more than 2,000 staff.