The manager of Jamie Oliver's Australian restaurant has been charged with burning down the company's offices, as well as stealing restaurant takings.
Melbourne Magistrates Court heard that 32-year-old Kevin Stralow ran Fifteen restaurant in Melbourne for a foundation Oliver had set up.
The foundation was designed to help disadvantaged young people enter the restaurant business.
On 5 June last, the charity's offices, which are located near the restaurant, were set on fire resulting in close to $1m in damages.
Stralow, who has been sacked, was also accused in court of stealing $23,000 in restaurant takings between 14 April and 2 June.
In a statement, the management of Oliver's Fifteen Foundation said they were saddened by the case.
The statement added: "We place great trust in our trainees and we're proud of the fact they continue to work extremely hard to build their skills and turn their lives around."
According to Fifteen Melbourne executive head chef Tobie Puttock, Jamie Oliver has been in touch with staff since the fire.
Puttock told AFP: "He's basically sent out big hugs and kisses to us and... we can power through this, so we'll just keep going."
Stralow, who has denied the allegations, was granted bail under the condition that he stays away from the restaurant and is due to reappear in court in September.
Fifteen Melbourne was launched in September 2006.
