Michael Deane has called on friends and colleagues to show their support for the hospitality industry with a 6pm applause on Friday.
The Michelin star chef and restaurant owner is said to be furious about the treatment of his industry in rules laid down by the Northern Ireland Executive.
He said Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride last month thanked those in hospitality for the work they put in to making customers and staff safe.
But today he and his colleagues say many in the industry is now facing crushing defeat over regulations announced today by First Minister Arlene Foster, based it would appear on the science provided to government but not shared with the public.
Mr Deane said: "Thanks Dr McBride for telling us what a wonderful job we were doing only last month.
"I welcome a lockdown as consumer confidence has gone but not a halfhearted hatchet job with no data to back up anything.
"Let’s hope we hear soon about a proper joined up exit strategy."
Industry colleague Michael Cafolla said: "This has been a complete nightmare all round. So many jobs and businesses are going to be lost."
Mr Deane called for people to 'clap for hospitality' on Friday evening at 6pm.
He said: "Keep you distance and wear a mask."
