For a time, Salt Bae was everywhere. Sunglasses on, tight T-shirt, steak in hand, and that unforgettable salt-sprinkling flourish—his viral videos in 2017 turned Nusret Gökçe, a Turkish butcher and chef, into one of the most recognizable internet sensations in the world. Overnight, the man known as Salt Bae built a luxury dining empire with restaurants in Dubai, London, Miami, and beyond.
But his fame wasn’t built on flavor—it was built on spectacle. A meal at his restaurants could run up to $2,000, not for the taste, but for the chance to snap a photo with him. His gold-covered tomahawk steak became the ultimate status symbol, drawing celebrities, athletes, and influencers who wanted to be part of the craze. That hype, though, didn’t last forever.
Salt Bae lawsuits and employee complaints
In the U.S., several employees accused Salt Bae of workplace violations, from grueling shifts without overtime pay to allegations that he withheld tips. Rather than addressing the claims head-on, he denied everything. Stories of toxic work culture and sudden firings only fueled the growing backlash.
How the FIFA World Cup and Lionel Messi changed everything
If you’re wondering why Salt Bae fell off, the breaking point came at the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Without permission, he stormed the pitch, chased down players for selfies, and even grabbed the World Cup trophy as if he were part of the team.
Lionel Messi’s visible discomfort as Salt Bae forced himself into photos went viral, and overnight the internet turned on him. What once seemed charismatic now looked like cringeworthy opportunism.
Salt Bae’s restaurant empire in decline
Since then, the decline has been steep. In London, his restaurant saw profits plunge by more than 30% in a single year. In the U.S., five of his seven locations have closed, with only a handful left standing. While his Gulf-region restaurants remain open, the global obsession has clearly ended. Reviews increasingly slam his food as overpriced and underwhelming, and his once-bustling dining rooms no longer draw in Hollywood stars or soccer icons.
[embedded content]
From viral fame to being uninvited
The latest sign of his downfall came after this year’s Champions League final, when Salt Bae reportedly tried to crash a private after-party without an invite—only to be thrown out. The moment captured the state of his career perfectly: once a viral star everyone wanted nearby, he’s now a fading figure that many prefer to keep at arm’s length.
So, where is Salt Bae now? Still running restaurants, mostly in the Middle East, but far removed from the global spotlight he once commanded. The man who sprinkled salt into internet history has become a symbol of how fast viral fame can fade.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
