You can argue about pineapple on pizza, but losing your job over it takes the debate to another level. Italian chef Davide Tamburella was dismissed from a Brisbane, Australia, restaurant, La Costa, on May 20 after refusing to prepare ham-and-pineapple pizzas. It was reportedly his third refusal in four years. This time, the customer function was worth more than A$15,000, roughly US$10,500. Talk about an expensive topping!
There was more to the dispute than pineapple. Management raised concerns about Tamburella’s communication, inappropriate language and escalating frustration. He also fractured his hand after striking a metal handrail. Tamburella challenged his dismissal before Australia’s Fair Work Commission, but his application was rejected because it was filed late and did not meet the exceptional-circumstances test. The commission did not decide whether the restaurant was right to fire him.
Hawaiian pizza was invented in Canada in 1962 by Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos. More than six decades later, we’re still arguing. Some love the sweet-and-savoury combination; others think fruit has no business near their pizza. The argument continues. La Costa has since closed, and Tamburella reportedly found work elsewhere in Brisbane. The pineapple controversy rolls on. In the pizza business, you live and die by the pineapple.