Jeff Ruby restaurant group settles tip, wage lawsuit for $1.5 million
Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment will pay $1.55 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging unpaid tips and wages to over 700 employees.Summary
Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment has agreed to a $1.55 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed by former employees claiming they were not properly compensated for tips earned. The suit, led by Jonathan Lamb and Jim Belmont, alleged that servers were required to work off the clock, had tips improperly distributed to ineligible staff, and were not paid the full minimum wage for non-tipped duties. The restaurant group denies any wrongdoing but is settling to avoid further litigation. The settlement fund will be available to over 700 servers, bartenders, and server assistants who worked at Jeff Ruby locations in Ohio (from 2021) and Kentucky (from 2019), with some employees claiming to be owed up to $19,000. Britney Ruby Miller, president and CEO, did not immediately comment on the settlement. A preliminary approval has been granted by Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes, with finalization expected in May.
(Source：Cincinnati Cincinnati Enquirer)