Fort Lauderdale’s Salt 7 Evicted Amid Employee Wage Disputes
FORT LAUDERDALE – Salt 7, an upscale restaurant located at Icon Las Olas in downtown Fort Lauderdale and on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, has been evicted following allegations of unpaid wages and financial mismanagement. Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies executed the eviction early Tuesday morning, enforcing a court-ordered writ of possession.
Employees Left Without Pay
As the locks were changed, employees who had been promised overdue wages arrived to find the restaurant shuttered. Some expressed frustration and fear over the financial uncertainty caused by weeks of missed paychecks and bounced payments.
“They told me to come in today to get my money. I don’t see anybody,” said Llrill Louis, a line cook at Salt 7 for two years. Louis claims he is owed over three weeks’ worth of pay for 90 hours of work.
Former and current employees have shared similar concerns, with many taking to social media to accuse the restaurant of withholding wages, tips, and credit card gratuities. One viral post stated, “Salt 7 is a business that steals from their staff. They don’t pay their staff their credit card tips or any tips. They don’t pay their kitchen staff. They don’t pay anyone.”
Owner Denies Allegations
Attempts to reach Salt 7’s owner, John Kostoglou, were unsuccessful following the eviction. However, in a previous interview, Kostoglou denied allegations of unpaid wages.
“Employees aren’t getting paid?” he was asked by Local 10’s Jeff Weinsier.
“That’s incorrect,” Kostoglou responded before conceding, “We are working on every single one with my bookkeeper.”
Despite this, employees like Yael Freedman say they are owed thousands of dollars. “He owes me over $2,000,” said Freedman. When asked why he continued working there despite not being paid, he replied, “Basically, I’m working for free.”
The restaurant’s head chef, identified only as Daniel, also confirmed payroll issues, stating, “I’m leaving! My check bounced.”
Financial Troubles and Bankruptcy
Court records indicate that Salt 7’s financial troubles extend beyond payroll disputes. Vendors have filed claims for tens of thousands in unpaid invoices, including:
- Premier Produce: $44,000
- Allen Brothers (meat supplier): $176,600
- Landlord claim for unpaid rent: Nearly $300,000
Salt 7’s parent company attempted to file for bankruptcy, but the case was dismissed in federal court. With mounting debts and no immediate resolution, the eviction marks the end of the restaurant’s operations at its prime Las Olas location.
Legal Avenues for Employees Seeking Wages
With Salt 7 now closed, many employees fear they may never receive their owed wages. However, legal options remain available. Workers can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) by calling 1-866-4-USWAGE (1-866-487-9243) or submitting a complaint online at DOL’s website.
Additionally, Broward County has a wage recovery ordinance, while Miami-Dade County’s Consumer Mediation Center assists employees in similar disputes. Keeping documentation, such as pay stubs and work hours, is essential in pursuing claims.
Uncertain Future
Salt 7’s eviction raises broader concerns about wage theft in the restaurant industry. Since Local 10 first reported the controversy, multiple former employees from other establishments have come forward with similar claims.
As for the now-former Salt 7 staff, they face an uncertain future. When asked if he expected to recover his missing wages, Llrill Louis shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.”
