"The sibling restaurant to the new brunch spot was at the center of the pre-opening controversy: an anonymous staff blog by 14 front- and back-of-house employees alleged problems with the restaurant’s owner, listing “ongoing harassment and intimidation” via what was characterized as an arbitrary write-up system; poor and inconsistent communication; and a lack of concern for employee health, safety, and welfare. Chef and partner Intu-on Kornnawong, who had been associated with both projects, left both restaurants and said she did so because of a “multitude of differences” with Saelee: “I felt like we had a difference in the direction and vision of the restaurant,” she said. “We didn’t see eye-to-eye on the communications and the way to treat our staff.” Saelee has said the departures are “a great reminder to start with clear intention, building a strong foundation and just overcommunicating with people,” and has defended his intentions toward the community, saying, “everything that I do is for the Oakland community so hopefully people will see and understand that everything we do is for the preservation of Oakland.”" - Dianne de Guzman