Mario Batali's Restaurant Group To Drop Mario Batali's Name

Bye bye, Batali. Once synonymous with Italian cooking and a restaurant empire, chef Mario Batali's name has since December been associated with accusations of groping women, most of whom were former employees. Eater reports today that Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, a company owned by Batali and business partner Joe Bastianich, has announced plans to change its name and rebrand following the scandal.

An email alerted the company's employees that the company will not only change its name but will restructure, "additional senior management experienced in ensuring everyone has a respectful workplace," according to Eater. The company formerly known as Batali & Bastianiach operates nearly two dozen restaurants and markets across the country including Del Posto, Babbo, Eataly, Osteria Mozza, and others.

Batali has faced further fallout from the sexual misconduct claims: a pause on filming his Food Network show Molto Mario, termination of his hosting role on ABC's The Chew, as well as the decision by Target and Eataly to stop carrying his eponymous products.

There's no word yet on the new name for Batali and Bastianich's company; continue following our updated list of restaurant-industry sexual harassment claims for further news.