Former Benihana Chef Claims FLSA Violations and Retaliation

On behalf of current and former Benihana chefs, a former chef has filed an action under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) alleging that the company forced chefs to work off the clock without compensation, illegally deducted from the chefs’ tips to provide tips to employees not entitled to share them and harassed or fired the chefs if they complained about the practices. Kim v. Benihana Nat’l Corp., No. 13-62061 (S.D. Fla., filed September 20, 2013). Alleging unpaid overtime or minimum wages in the alternative, illegal tip deductions and retaliation, the plaintiff seeks an order requiring notice to all Benihana chefs, declaratory relief, damages, interest, attorney’s fees, and costs.