Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment has agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging improper handling of tips and wages at its restaurants.
Details of the Settlement
The settlement addresses claims brought by former employees who stated that the restaurant group failed to pay minimum wage and overtime, and unlawfully retained portions of tips. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio in 2022.
According to court documents, the agreement covers more than 250 current and former workers at Jeff Ruby’s locations in Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington, and Nashville. The employees involved in the case worked as servers, bartenders, and other tipped positions.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The plaintiffs alleged that Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment required tipped employees to share a portion of their tips with non-tipped workers, such as kitchen staff, in violation of federal and state labor laws. They also claimed that the company failed to pay overtime wages when employees worked more than 40 hours per week.
“We are pleased to have reached a resolution that provides compensation to our clients,” said attorney Brian Butler, who represented the workers.
Company Response
Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement. In a statement, the company said, “We are committed to providing a positive work environment and complying with all labor laws.” The company also stated that it has updated its policies to ensure compliance with wage and hour regulations.
Distribution of Settlement Funds
The $1.5 million settlement will be distributed among eligible employees based on the number of hours worked and the positions held during the relevant period. The court must still approve the final settlement terms before payments are issued.
More information about the settlement can be found at this link.
