Famed Turkish chef Ozdemir Burak, known as CZN Burak, has cut ties with his Dubai restaurant, citing unpaid debts and damage to his reputation. The social media star shared a detailed statement explaining his decision.
The restaurant, CZN Burak, located on Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, is operated by Dives Holding, which asserts it manages ten outlets in nine countries.
“This partnership is economically, legally, and ethically untenable from my viewpoint,” Burak stated in a release on Friday.
He accused the company of multiple violations, including “delayed and incomplete payments,” “consistent contract breaches,” and “brand mismanagement,” harming his reputation.
This statement follows a video Burak shared three days earlier with his 52 million Instagram followers, declaring he has no legal or business connections in Dubai.
In 2023, Burak took legal action against his father for misappropriating funds, taking loans, and selling the rights to a restaurant he owned for millions of dirhams.
Continued Operations
Conversely, Dive issued a statement claiming it holds the “sole and exclusive rights” to the CZN Burak brand outside Turkey and plans further expansions.
The company highlighted its evolution into a “global success story” within five years, crediting its “investments and strategic management.”
Dives Holding stated that while Burak was the public face, “all operations, including menu creation, marketing, and international expansion, were managed by Dives Holding,” contributing to brand stability.
Opened in 2021, the CZN Burak restaurant has attracted notable guests like Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, and MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
‘Beyond a Brand’
CZN Burak gained fame with social media videos showcasing his preparation of large Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes, often donating meals to those in need. After a 2023 earthquake in Turkey, he traveled from the UAE to provide meals to affected areas.
In his note, Burak claimed his brand value and credibility suffered under Dive Holding’s poor management.
“CZN Burak – Chef Burak is not just a brand; it’s a life story made with my efforts, my face, my soul, and my sincerity,” he expressed. “This brand emerged from the connections I formed on social media, the smiles at the table, and the relationships I built personally. It flourished with the sweat as I poured rice on camera and grew through heartfelt connections with guests worldwide. I am not merely the ‘face’ of this brand; I am the brand.”
He concluded by stating he will resist any portrayal of the brand as something managed by others while he is reduced to a mere “brand ambassador.”
