Flames Belmar Steakhouse Slapped with $88K Wage Violation

ByEthan Pineridge

A popular Brazilian steakhouse in Belmar has been ordered to pay more than $88,000 in back wages and penalties after federal investigators discovered the restaurant had been systematically denying overtime pay to its employees. The U.S. Department of Labor found that Flames Brazilian Steakhouse owner Dariusz Targonski violated federal labor laws by failing to properly compensate staff who worked more than 40 hours per week, according to Asbury Park Press.

The investigation revealed that thirteen employees were affected by the wage violations, with the restaurant owing $84,000 in back wages and liquidated damages, plus an additional $4,459 in penalties for the infractions. Federal officials determined that Targonski had paid hourly employees their regular rate for all hours worked, ignoring the legal requirement to pay time-and-a-half for hours exceeding 40 per week.

Charlene Rachor, the Wage and Hour Division’s district director based in Lawrenceville, emphasized the importance of fair compensation in the restaurant industry: “People employed in the restaurant industry often work long hours to support themselves and their families and they deserve to be paid the wages they’ve earned. Wage theft is a serious issue and the U.S. Department of Labor is determined to hold industry employers like Dariusz Targonski accountable.”

Photo Source: DepositPhotos

The Latest Trending Headlines in Your Area:

From Flaming Swords to Burning Violations

Flames Brazilian Steakhouse, known for its rodizio-style dining where servers carve meat tableside from large skewers, has been operating on Main Street in Belmar since 2018. The restaurant has become a fixture in the Jersey Shore dining scene, drawing locals and tourists alike to its all-you-can-eat meat offerings.

However, behind the theatrical dining experience, labor investigators discovered that the restaurant’s employment practices failed to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The violations extended beyond hourly workers, with investigators finding that non-exempt salaried employees were also denied overtime pay to which they were legally entitled.

According to NJ 101.5, investigators also cited the restaurant for failing to maintain required payroll records, further complicating the wage issue and resulting in additional penalties.

Summer Season Puts Spotlight on Restaurant Labor Practices

The ruling comes as Jersey Shore restaurants gear up for their busiest season, highlighting ongoing concerns about labor practices in the hospitality industry, particularly in seasonal tourist destinations where businesses may rely heavily on extended employee hours during peak periods.

Labor experts note that overtime violations are particularly common in restaurants, where staff often work long, irregular hours to accommodate busy dining periods. The Department of Labor has been increasing enforcement actions across the industry, viewing these violations as both harmful to workers and creating unfair advantages for businesses willing to skirt regulations.

“When employers fail to pay legally required overtime, they not only harm their workers but also gain an unfair competitive advantage over law-abiding restaurant owners who pay proper wages,” explained employment attorney Maria Rodriguez, who specializes in hospitality industry compliance but is not connected to this case. “This creates a race to the bottom that ultimately damages the entire industry.”

Changing Overtime Rules Raise the Stakes

The case takes on additional significance as the threshold for overtime eligibility is set to increase. Current regulations require employers to pay overtime to salaried employees who make less than $684 per week, but a new Labor Department rule will raise that threshold to $844 weekly beginning July 1.

This upcoming change means more restaurant employees will be eligible for overtime pay, potentially increasing payroll costs for establishments already operating on thin margins. Industry analysts suggest restaurants should review their compensation practices now to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

“Many restaurant owners, especially smaller independent operations, may not fully understand their obligations under federal labor law,” noted restaurant industry consultant James Harmon. “But as this case demonstrates, ignorance of the law is not a defense, and the penalties can be substantial.”

Photo Source: DepositPhotos

Pattern of Enforcement Along the Shore

The action against Flames Brazilian Steakhouse is not isolated. Federal labor officials have targeted several Jersey Shore establishments in recent years. In a particularly notable case five years ago, The Chicken or The Egg restaurant on Long Beach Island was ordered to pay $768,548 in back wages, liquidated damages, and penalties for labor violations, including issues related to the H-2B temporary visa program for foreign workers.

Labor Department officials indicate that the hospitality industry remains a priority for enforcement, particularly in tourist regions where seasonal demands can lead to labor law violations. Restaurants have been encouraged to review their pay practices and ensure they’re maintaining proper records of all hours worked by employees.

When reached for comment, Flames Brazilian Steakhouse’s owner Targonski did not immediately respond. The restaurant continues to operate while addressing the labor violations, with customers largely unaware of the behind-the-scenes wage dispute that has now resulted in one of the more significant labor enforcement actions in the Belmar business community in recent years.

The Latest Trending Headlines in Your Area:

Similar Posts