Buffalo Wild Wings Unpaid Wages Settlement: $10M
Buffalo Wild Wings Class Action Settlement Resolves Claims of Unpaid Wages for Tipped Workers
Did you work as a server or bartender for Buffalo Wild Wings between November 18, 2019, and August 24, 2023? You might be eligible for compensation from a $10 million settlement.
Stay Informed and Get Involved! Browse our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Open Class Action Settlements you may be able to join!
Claim Form
Click Here to Submit a ClaimWho's eligible?
Anyone who worked as a server or bartender for Buffalo Wild Wings Inc., BWW Resources, LLC, and/or Blazin' Wings, Inc. between November 18, 2019, and August 24, 2023.
Proof of Purchase
N/A
Settlement At a Glance
Settlement Amount
$215
Claim Form Deadline
08/20/2024
Exclusion Deadline (Opt-Out)
03/08/2024
Final Approval Hearing
03/08/2024
Additional Information
In November 2021, Joanne DePalo, a former Buffalo Wild Wings waitress, filed a class action lawsuit against the restaurant chain in Georgia federal court. The lawsuit alleged that Buffalo Wild Wings systematically underpaid tipped workers by:
- Failing to Pay Full Minimum Wage: When tipped workers performed "side work" like cleaning or setting up tables for more than 20% of their weekly hours or for over 30 minutes continuously, the lawsuit argued Buffalo Wild Wings should have paid them the full minimum wage instead of a reduced tipped wage.
- Improper Tip Credit: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) allows employers to take a "tip credit" that reduces their minimum wage obligation for tipped workers, but only under specific conditions. The lawsuit alleged Buffalo Wild Wings did not properly notify employees about the tip credit or their minimum wage rights.
- Excessive Untipped Work: The lawsuit claimed Buffalo Wild Wings required tipped servers and bartenders to perform excessive amounts of non-tipped work, further reducing their overall pay.
Unlike most class action lawsuits decided by a judge, the Buffalo Wild Wings unpaid wages lawsuit was resolved through arbitration. Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party (the arbitrator) hears arguments from both sides and issues a binding decision. This means both Buffalo Wild Wings and the class of tipped workers agreed to accept the arbitrator's decision as final and forego the right to appeal in court. The arbitrator reviewed the case details and arguments presented by both sides before ultimately approving the $10 million settlement in March 2024.
Under the terms of the settlement, each eligible class member is expected to receive an average payment of $215. However, the exact amount each person receives will depend on the number of claims filed and the length of their employment with Buffalo Wild Wings.
To receive a settlement payment, you must complete, sign, and return a claim form by August 20, 2024.
Think you might have a case? If you believe you've been affected by a similar situation, browse our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Open Class Action Settlements you may be able to join!
Stay Informed
Class Action Settlement Website:
https://www.bwwsettlement.com/Claims Administrator:
PO Box 64053
St. Paul, MN 55164
1-888-219-6058
Legal Representation
Case Name:
Class Counsel:
HODGES & FOTY, LLP
PARKS, CHESIN & WALBERT, P.C.
Defense Counsel:
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