Tropical Grille fined over $700K after federal investigators find child labor, wage violations
Tropical Grille, the Cuban restaurant chain in South Carolina, has been ordered to pay more than $700,000 after federal investigators found child labor, tip and overtime violations.
On Monday, Aug. 24, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that investigators found tip pool, recordkeeping, and overtime violations at all 13 Tropical Grille locations: Anderson, Clemson, Easley, Greer, Lexington, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Spartanburg and five locations in Greenville.
What the Investigation Revealed
Authorities said the violations included allowing management to dip into the restaurants’ tips, which is prohibited under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Additionally, the employer failed to combine all hours worked for employees at various locations, which led to some workers not receiving the proper overtime rates for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
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The investigation also revealed that the restaurant group violated the hazardous occupation provisions of the FLSA and allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work longer and later than legally permitted by federal child labor laws.
Restaurant Group Ordered to Pay More than $700K
As a result of the investigation, Tropical Grille paid $618,666 in back wages to 779 employees across 13 Tropical Grille locations. The company paid an additional $100,000 in penalties for the violations.
The Department of Labor said the company is now required to update or create materials that address compliance with child labor laws and provide annual training on child labor regulations for managers and supervisors.
What is Tropical Grille?
Tropical Grille opened its first location in Greenville in 2010 and markets itself as a fast, healthy and affordable option that draws inspiration from the owner's Cuban-heritage.
Editor's note: Yelp lists the Lexington location of Tropical Grille as closed and the restaurant's website no longer mentions the location.