Forsythia restaurant owner Christopher Kearse to face trial for alleged assault on former manager.
Acclaimed chef Christopher Kearse, the owner of the Michelin-recommended French restaurant Forsythia located in Old City, Philadelphia, is facing legal challenges stemming from allegations of simple assault and harassment made by a former restaurant manager. The incident, which purportedly occurred in July, involves accusations that Kearse physically confronted the manager during a heated exchange.
Court records indicate that this matter will be addressed in a trial set for Friday in Municipal Court. However, the identity of the manager is not disclosed in the court documents. Post-incident details remain limited due to the court’s restrictions on accessing the incident report and related criminal complaint.
The alleged confrontation took place on the morning of July 25. Sources close to the situation have reported that following a verbal altercation, the manager was terminated from his position. As the manager attempted to retrieve his laptop from the restaurant’s basement after being fired, he claims Kearse obstructed his exit by grabbing him and attempting to trip him.
Kearse has publicly acknowledged the altercation, asserting he acted out of concern for his wife, who was present in the basement during the incident. He contends that security footage exists to support his narrative but later stated he was unable to access the recording.
Kearse’s attorney, Andrew Levin, characterized the encounter as a “tussle,” suggesting that the former manager attempted to re-enter the premises after leaving, which escalated the situation.
The former manager, who had worked at Forsythia for three years, alleges he sustained lasting injuries, including a torn rotator cuff that may necessitate surgery, and has since sought physical therapy. Additionally, multiple former employees—including a server and a food runner—who witnessed the altercation corroborated the manager’s account, describing a chaotic scene that led to significant disruption within the restaurant.
Following the incident, the former manager filed a private criminal complaint at the 26th Police District without the assistance of a police report. Such complaints allow individuals to initiate misdemeanor cases directly. He has since hired legal representation to advocate for his rights, arguing that his injuries were incurred while on the job.
Forsythia continues to operate amid these developments. Established in August 2019, Kearse has previously managed notable establishments within Philadelphia’s dining scene, including Will BYOB and Pumpkin.
In addition to the legal complications surrounding Forsythia, Kearse recently launched a cocktail bar named Known Associates, which has faced its own series of operational challenges in recent weeks. Factors contributing to this situation include staffing issues, employee turnover, and financial irregularities, including the reported theft of checks exceeding ,000.
As the trial approaches, Kearse faces potential consequences for the charges against him, which could result in a maximum sentence of two years in jail and a fine of ,000. The hearing will be presided over by Judge Joffie C. Pittman III.
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