Chef Mario Batali Sued by Former Waiters

The Iron Chef will steal your tips.

Mario Batali is hungry for more than just food -- He craves money. That's according to two bitter ex-employees at the former Iron Chef's restaurant in New York, who recently filed a lawsuit saying Batali cheated them out of tips.

Read: Michelle Obama to Host 'Iron Chef' at the White House

Herman Ricardo Alvarado and Stephanie Capsolas, waiters at Batali's fancy Babbo Ristorante Enoteca in Greenwich Village, have filed a lawsuit saying the Food Network Star forced them to split their tips with employees who didn't deserve it.

The suit claims the red-haired and portly chef not only forced them to give up part of their tips, but that they had to work lots of overtime, all for less than minimum wage.

Read: White House 'Super Chefs:' Were the Obamas Steaming?

Neither Batali or his restaurant have issued a comment.

Batali, 49, started out as a dishwasher at a pizza place in New Jersey before rising the ranks to become one of the most recognizable chefs in the world. His show Molto Mario ran for nearly a decade, and he starred in Iron Chef until it was announced his contract would not be not renewed in 2007.

Read: Oprah Wants Food Network Murder Suspect Interview