Cheddar’s Casual Café Ordered to Pay More Than $161,000 in Back Wages and Damages

Cheddar’s Casual Café will have to pay back wages and damages to some employees in Texas and Oklahoma.

Following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour division, Cheddar’s will pay just over $99,100 in back wages, and nearly $62,500 in liquidated damages to 268 current and former employees of Cheddar’s restaurants in Lubbock and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The investigation revealed that managers recorded fewer hours in the payroll system than employees actually worked, tipped employees did not take home the required federal minimum wage, and managers did not compensate employees for attendance at mandatory meetings and training.

Another violation was found where 16-year-old employees were allowed to operate a trash compactor, violating a hazardous occupation order.

The chain will pay an additional $166,620 in civil money penalties for these violations.

The consent judgment was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.