Darden Restaurants sued in California over alleged wage and expense violations
A San Diego employment law firm has filed a class action against Darden Restaurants in California state court. The complaint claims the restaurant operator failed to pay minimum and overtime wages, provide meal and rest breaks, issue accurate wage statements, reimburse required expenses, pay sick wages, and pay wages when due. It also alleges workers had to use personal cell phones for job duties; the notice identifies itself as an attorney advertisement.
The complaint is a class action against Darden Restaurants, Inc., the operator of full-service dining chains, and is pending in San Diego County Superior Court under Case No. 26CU049159C. It was filed by San Diego employment firm Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP.
The complaint asserts violations of several California Labor Code provisions and wage orders, including claims about pay floors, overtime, meal and rest periods, itemized statements, expense reimbursement, paid sick time, and timely payment. It also says employees used personal cellphones for work without reimbursement. The filing identifies itself as an attorney advertisement.
If the claims proceed, the case could draw attention to how restaurant employers in California handle scheduling, meal and rest breaks, overtime, sick pay, and reimbursement for work-related phone use. Workers in similar roles may become more aware of recordkeeping and expense policies, while other employers may review payroll practices to reduce legal risk. The outcome may shape settlement or compliance expectations, though the allegations remain unproven.