Both men worked at the famous Savoy Hotel, which was owned by the Savoy Hotel Company.
- Ritz was the general manager
- Escoffier ran the kitchens and restaurants
Under their leadership, the Savoy became the most fashionable hotel in London, attracting elite guests including Edward VII.
But in 1897, both men were suddenly dismissed.

The hotel owners accused them of several questionable practices:
- Accepting secret commissions from food suppliers
- Using hotel resources for private catering
- Financial irregularities in the restaurant accounts
Escoffier allegedly accepted kickbacks from suppliers in exchange for buying their products.
At the time, this practice was not unusual in restaurant culture, but the Savoy owners considered it unacceptable.

There were also rumors that Ritz’s extravagant lifestyle and financial management caused problems.
Some stories claim:
- he overspent hotel funds to maintain luxury standards
- he hosted lavish events for elite clients that weren’t always profitable
His health was also deteriorating from exhaustion and stress.

The dispute nearly became a major court case.
Instead:
- Escoffier eventually repaid money to the Savoy company.
- The matter was settled quietly, avoiding a public trial that might damage the hotel’s reputation.

Despite the scandal, their reputations survived.
They later helped establish the Ritz Paris and went on to open The Ritz London, cementing their legacy in luxury hospitality.
High society largely ignored the controversy because the experience Ritz and Escoffier created was unmatched.