Restaurant Workers Secure Over €100,000 After Gangland Shooting Forced Closure
Former employees of Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown,Dublin,have been awarded over €100,000 by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for employment rights breaches following the restaurant’s closure after a fatal shooting on Christmas Eve 2023. The WRC ruled that San Siro Ltd., the operating company owned by Gregory Browne, failed to provide statutory redundancy payments to six employees after the incident.
Restaurant Closure Followed Fatal Christmas Eve Shooting
The steakhouse abruptly closed its doors on December 24, 2023, after a gunman, Tristan Sherry, fatally shot Jason Hennessy Snr. in the busy establishment. Sherry was subsequently murdered. In April 2025, Michael Andrecut was sentenced to life in prison for sherry’s murder. David Amah and a third individual were also convicted of murder and are awaiting sentencing.
Traumatized staff Denied Redundancy Payments
The restaurant’s former general manager testified that Gregory Browne planned to reopen the restaurant just a week after the shooting. However,staff members were too traumatized to return. Vjola Ajredini,the general manager,stated she had been on illness benefit as the attack and sought treatment for severe anxiety. Adisa Ajredini and Amanda Ajredini, also pursued claims under the Redundancy Payments Act, the Organisation of Working Time Act, and the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act.
Vjola Ajredini told the WRC that Browne contacted her five days after the shooting, aiming to reopen the restaurant for New Year’s eve. after she expressed her trauma and inability to return, she reported that Browne “demanded the keys back.” Her daughter, Adisa Ajredini, was unemployed until September 2024 and depleted her savings before securing new employment.
WRC Upholds Employee Claims
The employees notified Browne of their redundancy claims via registered post in may and June 2024, citing the restaurant’s continued closure. when they received no response,they filed complaints with the WRC seeking redundancy pay,unpaid notice,and compensation for violations of working time laws. Gregory Browne did not attend the WRC hearings.
Adjudicator Catherine Byrne upheld all three women’s complaints. Awards ranged from €1,032 to €6,154 for unpaid statutory notice, with Vjola Ajredini receiving the largest sum due to her 16 years of service. Compensation between €507.70 and €2,234 was also awarded for breaches of working time legislation.
Total Awards Exceed €100,000
Including previous rulings, the total owed to former Browne’s Steakhouse staff now exceeds €102,000. This includes over €86,000 for redundancy entitlements,as well as compensation for unpaid notice and working time breaches.
What rights do employees have if a company closes due to unforeseen circumstances?
Restaurant Workers Secure Over €100,000 After Gangland Shooting Forced Closure
Former employees of Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown,Dublin,have been awarded over €100,000 by the workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for employment rights breaches following the restaurant’s closure after a fatal shooting on Christmas Eve 2023. The WRC ruled that San Siro Ltd., the operating company owned by Gregory Browne, failed to provide statutory redundancy payments to six employees after the incident.
Restaurant closure Followed Fatal Christmas Eve Shooting
The steakhouse abruptly closed its doors on December 24, 2023, after a gunman, Tristan Sherry, fatally shot Jason Hennessy Snr. in the busy establishment. Sherry was subsequently murdered. In April 2025, Michael Andrecut was sentenced to life in prison for sherry’s murder. David Amah and a third individual were also convicted of murder and are awaiting sentencing.
Traumatized staff Denied Redundancy Payments
The restaurant’s former general manager testified that Gregory Browne planned to reopen the restaurant just a week after the shooting. Though,staff members were too traumatized to return. Vjola Ajredini,the general manager,stated she had been on illness benefit as the attack and sought treatment for severe anxiety. Adisa Ajredini and Amanda Ajredini, also pursued claims under the Redundancy Payments Act, the organisation of Working Time Act, and the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act.
Vjola Ajredini told the WRC that Browne contacted her five days after the shooting, aiming to reopen the restaurant for New Year’s eve. after she expressed her trauma and inability to return, she reported that browne “demanded the keys back.” Her daughter, Adisa Ajredini, was unemployed until September 2024 and depleted her savings before securing new employment.
WRC Upholds Employee Claims
The employees notified Browne of their redundancy claims via registered post in may and june 2024,citing the restaurant’s continued closure. when they received no response,they filed complaints with the WRC seeking redundancy pay,unpaid notice,and compensation for violations of working time laws. Gregory Browne did not attend the WRC hearings.
Adjudicator Catherine Byrne upheld all three women’s complaints. Awards ranged from €1,032 to €6,154 for unpaid statutory notice, with Vjola Ajredini receiving the largest sum due to her 16 years of service. Compensation between €507.70 and €2,234 was also awarded for breaches of working time legislation.
Total Awards Exceed €100,000
Including previous rulings,the total owed to former Browne’s Steakhouse staff now exceeds €102,000. This includes over €86,000 for redundancy entitlements,as well as compensation for unpaid notice and working time breaches.
Q&A: Browne’s Steakhouse Case
- What exactly happened at Browne’s Steakhouse?
- On Christmas Eve 2023, a fatal shooting occured at Browne’s Steakhouse, resulting in the death of Jason Hennessy Snr.. The shooter, Tristan Sherry, was subsequently murdered, leading to the restaurant’s immediate closure.
- Why did the employees file claims with the WRC?
- After the shooting, the restaurant closed, but the owner, Gregory Browne, didn’t provide statutory redundancy payments to the employees. The employees sought compensation for unpaid notice and breaches of working time laws, as well as redundancy pay.
- What were the main legal breaches identified by the WRC?
- the WRC found breaches of employment rights, specifically the failure to provide statutory redundancy payments, unpaid notice, and violations of working time legislation. The owner was absent from the WRC hearings.
- How much compensation did the employees receive?
- The total compensation exceeds €100,000. Awards included between €1,032 to €6,154 for unpaid statutory notice, and compensation between €507.70 and €2,234 for working time breaches. Redundancy entitlements made up the bulk of the payouts, totaling over €86,000.
- What happened to those involved in the shooting?
- In April 2025, Michael Andrecut was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Tristan sherry. david Amah and a third individual were also convicted of murder and are awaiting sentencing.
- What can other employees in similar situations do?
- Employees facing redundancy should immediately seek legal advice. They should also ensure they have documented all their employment details and communications with their employer. Familiarize yourself with your rights under the Redundancy Payments Act and other relevant legislation.
The Browne’s Steakhouse case highlights the importance of employers fulfilling their legal obligations, especially during times of crisis. Understanding employee rights is crucial for protecting workers’ well-being and financial security.
