Toyo Eatery said it has always operated in accordance with the country’s labor regulations despite claims of unjust working conditions.
On Thursday, July 9, the Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant addressed allegations from some former employees who accused the establishment of requiring them to work long hours, fostering a “culture” of working rather than resting while sick and failing to pay overtime.
The Makati-based restaurant was also accused of lacking transparency regarding its wages, benefits and employment status.
A former employee appeared in an interview and claimed that working at Toyo Eatery made him feel that he did not have a “proper break” or a “proper weekend.”
READ: Michelin-starred restaurant in Makati accused of unpaid overtime, grueling work hours
The restaurant, in response, said it has “always” been committed “to build a workplace rooted in fairness, respect and genuine care” for each of its team members.
The restaurant, in response, said it has “always” been committed “to building a workplace rooted in fairness, respect, and genuine care” for each of its team members.
“We are aware of the claims that were recently aired in the media. While we respect the space for individuals to share their experiences, we wish to clarify that these accounts do not accurately reflect how we operate,” Toyo Eatery said in a statement.
“In our recent conversations, our current team members have expressed a very different perspective, one that reflects the supportive and respectful environment we actively maintain. Many of our employees have been with us for years, and some have even returned after leaving at some point, which we believe speaks for itself,” it added.
The restaurant then said it has always been compliant with labor rules and regulations.
“We, likewise, wish to be unequivocal: Toyo Eatery has always operated in full accordance with the Labor Code of the Philippines and all applicable labor regulations,” it stated.
“We take our obligations to our employees seriously, from wages and benefits, to leaves. We have consistently met these obligations throughout our 10 years of operations. Prior to this issue, not a single labor case has ever been filed against us, a record we do not take for granted,” the restaurant added.
It also confirmed that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) had conducted an inspection last June, which concluded with “full clearance” from the government agency.
“Following that, we consider these matters thoroughly vetted and resolved. We fully cooperated with this inspection and have complied with all routinary post-inspection requirements. We welcome this kind of oversight, as it affirms our commitment to transparency and accountability,” the restaurant said.
It likewise said it has “always” focused on its team’s well-being in its operations.
“We understand that our team members, past and present, may have varying experiences, and we do not dismiss those feelings lightly. If there are legitimate concerns, we have always been and remain open to addressing them through the proper channels,” the restaurant stated.
“With this official resolution behind us, our focus remains exactly where it has always been: on the well-being of our team. We take our responsibility to each one seriously, and we are incredibly grateful to those who know the reality of how we operate and continue to support us,” it continued.
Toyo Eatery is a contemporary Filipino restaurant that pays homage to Pinoy flavors, dining traditions, and modern Filipino design.
The restaurant has received several accolades, including the One To Watch Award in 2018 from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, the Sustainable Restaurant Award in 2023, and the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award in 2025.
It was also awarded one Michelin star, with Michelin praising its balance of seasonings, such as soy vinegar and fish sauce, to enhance its dishes while highlighting natural flavors.
