Imagine a fast-food empire crumbling under the weight of unpaid debts, alleged misconduct, and a trail of controversy. This is the shocking reality facing Burgertory, a once-thriving chain now mired in financial scandal. As of January 22, 2026, the spotlight has turned to Hash Tayeh, the chain's founder, who may face public scrutiny over the collapse of 13 associated companies. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: liquidators are raising serious concerns about potential unlawful activities, including suspicions that Tayeh maintained control of the businesses even after stepping down as a director—all while nearly $1 million in employee superannuation went unpaid.
According to a report by Pitcher Partners, Tayeh and his business partners are under investigation for their management practices and the alleged dispersal of assets before a liquidator could intervene. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) successfully petitioned the Federal Court to wind up these entities between April and July of the previous year, encompassing 10 stores and three management companies linked to Burgertory and QSR Collective. While a significant portion of the chain remains operational, the failed companies—located in areas like Box Hill, Coburg North, and Southbank—owe not only the aforementioned superannuation but also an additional $2.3 million to creditors.
And this is the part most people miss: Some of these troubled stores are still trading, now under new franchise owners. Liquidator Andrew Yeo has reported potential breaches of the Corporations Act by current and former directors, including possible insolvent trading and duty violations. Yeo’s preliminary findings highlight suspicious transactions involving related parties, asset dispositions, and a lack of full disclosure from key individuals.
Tayeh, who founded Burgertory in 2018, resigned as CEO in July 2025 after the ATO’s debt claims became public. This followed a series of personal and professional upheavals, including a bomb threat against his business in 2023, firebombings at his home and a Caulfield store, and a controversial charge for using insulting language at a 2024 Melbourne rally. Tayeh, a vocal pro-Palestinian activist, has vehemently denied wrongdoing, claiming he’s been targeted for his political stance. He’s described the ATO’s actions as a ‘stitch-up’ and shared on Instagram, ‘Since 2023, I’ve been hunted. Harassed. Firebombed. Dragged through courts. Falsely accused.’
But here's where it gets controversial: The liquidator’s report suggests Tayeh retained oversight of the liquidated entities despite his resignation, allegedly controlling bank accounts and issuing instructions to accountants and solicitors. Additionally, a 2019 BMW sedan registered as a business asset has gone missing, with Tayeh yet to provide details. Yeo plans to call Tayeh and others for public examinations, seeking clarity on these murky dealings. Funding for these investigations is being secured from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and private litigation funders.
As the saga unfolds, one can’t help but wonder: Is this a case of systemic mismanagement, political retribution, or something more complex? What do you think? Are Tayeh’s claims of targeted harassment credible, or is this a classic case of financial missteps catching up with a business leader? Share your thoughts in the comments—this story is far from over.
