A former server at the El Gaucho steakhouse in Tacoma is suing the company for not properly paying employees.
Mathew Blasco told the News Tribune that managers at the restaurant didn't pay servers time-and-a-half for overtime work.
Blasco claims some servers had to work off the clock to get their tables ready and memorize the menu.
He also says some were paid with credit they could only use at the restaurant.
The alleged labor abuse happened at all three locations, including one in Seattle.
"I ended up at El Gaucho -- what I thought at the time was one of the best restaurants you could work at.
Sadly, what I found out is they are just as guilty as everyone about the abuse of labor violations,” said Blasco.
A spokeswoman for El Gaucho wouldn't comment on the pending lawsuit but did tell the News Tribune,
"El Gaucho is proud to set a high standard for employee compensation in the vibrant Northwest restaurant industry, as well as provide a great place for people to practice their talents for hospitality."
The state's workplace investigators at the Department of Labor and Industries say they haven't received any wage complaints.
L & I won't investigate the case unless they do.