It was a boys' club with unnecessary rivalry and toxic competitiveness placed upon general staff and lower management from the prior chef and upper management. The kitchen environment quickly became toxic and no longer about collaboration and teamwork. The prior head chef was toxic, often stepping many boundaries towards the kitchen staff. This caused a trickle down of stress to other workers and the sous. Often overworked and underpaid. Workplace nepotism, drama, hustle culture, and "this workplace is a family" mentality.