Hell's Kitchen winner Terry Miller's new restaurant launched with a bang last week after one of the waiters claimed he was assaulted by the chef.
Alan Kirtley alleged that Miller grabbed him by the throat and punched him after a row at the Rockafella restaurant's star-studded opening night in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Guests at the event included Gary Rhodes and football star Alan Shearer.
Miller's wife, Linda, confirmed her husband was arrested but denied he had attacked Kirtley.
"Terry merely fired a drunken waiter after he assaulted me. All the staff are very relieved he is now gone. I've been in catering for 30 years, and unfortunately you do come across people like this."
Northumbria Police confirmed they had received a report of an alleged assault but said inquiries were at an early stage.
The 80-seat Rockafella serves contemporary British food costing £30-£40 a head without wine.