PHILADELPHIA - It is incredibly frustrating when a restaurant with immense culinary potential—especially one boasting a creative standout like Jon behind the bar—gets dragged down by the toxic, unlawful actions of its leadership.
The Toxic Collapse of Old City's Forsythia: When Bad Behavior Ruins Great Food
For years, Forsythia operated as a highly-rated, Michelin-recommended French-inspired staple in Old City. But this week, the restaurant abruptly shut its doors, leaving diners with canceled reservations and employees out of work. The sudden closure comes directly on the heels of owner and chef Christopher Kearse facing serious criminal charges, serving as a textbook example of how quickly an acclaimed dining room can collapse when the culture behind the kitchen doors is broken.
The Criminal Charges Against Christopher Kearse
Forsythia's downfall became public when it was announced that Chef Christopher Kearse is scheduled to stand trial in Philadelphia Municipal Court on October 23, 2026. Kearse is facing criminal charges for simple assault and harassment following an alleged physical altercation with a former restaurant manager.
According to court details, the incident occurred inside the restaurant on July 25, 2026. The former manager alleges that after a dispute, Kearse grabbed him and tripped him, resulting in a torn rotator cuff. Kearse's defense attorney has publicly described the encounter as a "tussle," claiming the manager had been fired and was attempting to return.
However, multiple former employees who witnessed the altercation paint a much more violent picture, describing a full-blown physical fight resulting in broken plates, smashed glasses, and overturned tables. A mediation hearing on October 9 resulted in a protection order, moving the case forward to a criminal trial where Kearse faces potential penalties of up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
A Pattern of Toxic Management
While the physical assault charges are the most severe, former staff members have taken to social media to allege that the July altercation was not an isolated incident, but rather the boiling point of a long-standing pattern of toxic behavior.
Reports from former employees suggest a deeply unhealthy work environment characterized by verbal harassment, payroll disputes, and Kearse frequently accusing departing staff members of theft. While Kearse has attempted to attribute the restaurant's closure to "staffing difficulties" and "theft," the reality appears to be that a hostile work environment ultimately alienated the very people required to keep the restaurant running.
A Win for Industry Accountability
Forsythia's abrupt closing is undeniably a blow to the Old City dining landscape. It is always a shame to lose a beautiful dining room and an innovative menu, and it is deeply unfortunate for the hardworking front-of-house staff, bartenders, and line cooks who lost their jobs because of the owner's actions.
However, there is a silver lining. The restaurant industry has historically turned a blind eye to the abusive behavior of "genius" chefs, allowing toxic management to thrive under the guise of culinary passion. Holding abusive leadership accountable—both in the court of public opinion and in a literal court of law—is a massive win for Philadelphia's broader restaurant community. It sends a clear message that no matter how good the food is, the days of tolerating violent, unchecked egos in the kitchen are over.
