Community
Print
The CEO of a leading plant-based cookery school reportedly spent a week in jail – resulting in all classes being mysteriously canceled.
PlantLab, which was formerly owned by celebrity chef Matthew Kenney, owns a number of culinary schools around the world, including Brooklyn, Venice, California, and Barcelona in Spain.
Earlier this week, students were sent an email informing them that all classes were canceled ‘until further notice’ as CEO Adam Zucker had disappeared.
Regret to inform you
The email, which was forwarded to Plant Based News by a multiple PlantLab students, said: “It is our regret to inform you that all courses at all locations are canceled until further notice.
“The entire team of PlantLab has been unable to contact the CEO, Adam Zucker since Tuesday, August 21st, 2018 at 11:15 am PST. Adam Zucker is the sole owner of PlantLab and the only person solely responsible for all finances and location payments.”
One PlantLab student told PBN: “All classes have been cancelled, however the website is still live. [We are concerned about] unsuspecting potential students from signing up to any classes through the website…this is a global school and we need to work together to inform anyone considering the classes.”
Missing
The source told Plant Based News that PlantLab students were unable to get into the classroom in the NYC school on August 27 because rent was in arrears. They received the above email the following day.
Students were told Zucker was missing – but instructed to contact him on his personal cell phone with any complaints, as he is solely responsible for the company.
Arrested
According to reports, Zucker had been arrested on August 21 and detained in an LA county prison until the 28. The PLANTLAB CEO was charged with five counts of tax evasion, seven counts of embezzlement (of around $2.4 million) and grand theft, and 23 counts of money laundering.
He pled ‘no contest’ to all charges, being convicted on August 27. He is now facing the possibility of jail time come January.
Regular operations
Zucker wrote to students yesterday (on Friday) via email, saying: “In recent days I have been working hard to restart PLANTLAB’S regular operations and to continue our courses at all locations as soon as possible.
“That is the goal and where I am focusing my attention. I remain committed to your success, and I thank you for your patience and understanding. As specific timelines for rescheduling the courses become clear I will look to share this information with you and keep you updated.”
An official spokesperson for PLANTLAB released a statement adding: “It would be highly inappropriate to comment on any legal matter that are of a personal nature and unrelated to PlantLab.”
Plant Based News is currently trying to contact Adam Zucker for further information.
