Chef Fired for Refusing to Use Pineapple on Pizza in Australia

An Italian chef in Australia was fired from a restaurant in Brisbane after he repeatedly refused to put pineapple on pizza. He called the fruit topping an insult to his culture. Davide Tamburella was let go from La Costa restaurant in May after management had several complaints about his behavior at work.

One complaint involved his refusal to make ham and pineapple pizzas for guests at a function. During a meeting with management, Tamburella argued that he did not have to follow orders that he found offensive to his culture. The Fair Work Commission in Australia noted that this was not the first time he had refused to use pineapple, as it was the third occurrence in four years.

In a previous instance, Tamburella had asked his employer to understand how important it is to Italians not to put pineapple on pizza. The issues at the restaurant also included complaints about his use of foul language and his communication style.

In April, Tamburella injured his right hand after hitting a metal handrail. He had hoped the restaurant would help him with his visa to stay in Australia as a skilled worker, but after his dismissal, that process was stopped.

Tamburella filed a claim for unfair dismissal, but the Fair Work Commission ruled against him because he submitted his claim too late. The restaurant’s managing director, Elliot Ingram, mentioned that there was more to the story than just the pizza topping.

Tamburella now works at another restaurant in Brisbane where pineapple is not on the menu. Queensland, where this incident took place, is known for producing most of Australia’s pineapples and is home to the Big Pineapple, a famous landmark.