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Last updated - November 21, 2025
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Matthew Kenney’s once–celebrated plant-based empire has unraveled under a wave of abrupt restaurant closures and growing allegations of unpaid employees and vendors. Multiple reports describe a pattern of failed obligations, bounced payments, and shuttered locations with little warning. Former partners and staff say the instability reflects deeper operational problems
Founder
High Risk
Based on the available data, we advise consumers to avoid this Individual altogether.
This advisory is based on an aggregate risk score derived from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified in our research.
You are likely to be at great risk by engaging in any sort of consumer-related activity with this entity.
Medium Risk
Based on the available data, we advise employees to be mindful when considering or continuing work with this Individual.
This advisory stems from a medium-risk score compiled from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors uncovered in our analysis.
Employment with this entity may involve moderate risks.
Based on the available data, we urge investors and bankers to avoid financial involvement with this Individual.
This advisory is informed by an aggregate risk score based on OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified through our investigation.
Engaging in investment or lending activities with this entity poses a substantial risk to your financial interests.
Safe to Onboard
Enhanced Due Diligence required
Do Not Onboard
Monitor adverse media every 6 months
File SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) is warranted
Escalation to compliance committee
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According to reports, several of his L.A.-area restaurants closed rapidly because of mounting unpaid rent, vendor bills, and other liabilities.
Yes — former staff and vendors have alleged bounced paychecks, unpaid invoices, and significant supplier debt, indicating potential cash-flow or financial mismanagement.
Multiple investors claim his financial disclosures were unreliable, and some allege he diverted funds to personal expenses instead of paying back investors
Yes — a former executive accused his organization of fostering a hostile environment, including harassment, racist language, and discriminatory behavior
Kenney reportedly uses many LLCs to run his restaurants, which critics argue could shield his personal assets while burdening creditors, investors and suppliers.
Given the history of abrupt closures, unpaid debts, and investor lawsuits, there is a real risk that future Kenney ventures could similarly collapse
Regulatory and Compliance Screening
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Reputational and Adverse Media Risks
Geographic and Jurisdictional Risk
What you see here scratches the surface
We offer reward for actionable intel
Matthew Kenney, celebrity vegan chef, faces backlash: accused of racist/misogynist texts, dating 19yo employee
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Matthew Kenny, ex-maths teacher at Allestree Woodlands School, faced TRA misconduct allegations from 2018-2019. Proven
Matthew Kenney co-founded NYC's iconic raw vegan restaurant Pure Food and Wine in 2004 with Sarma Melngailis;
Other Red-Flags and Adverse News
Based on user engagement on this review profile, ProConsumer will decide to publish its Risk Audit report for public if a threshold engagement, traffic and user input is achieved.
Known Assets: [Real estate, investments, companies]
Suspicious Transactions
Liabilities: [Bankruptcies, defaults, debts]
Wealth Sources: [Legitimate / Unclear / High-risk]
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Business Model Assessment
All comments are user-generated content and may not be verified. They represent the personal opinions of the public and should not be relied upon. These comments do not influence or determine our overall rating.
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Highly experienced
Well-recognized name
Faced allegations of scamming others
Allegedly sold fake silver
Sued multiple times
Unregulated industry
Alarming number of complaints online
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