Previous Epicurean Resort chef sues professionals, says unpaid overtime led to firing

The previous government chef of Tampa’s Epicurean Lodge is suing its proprietors, alleging he was fired following complaining that his team wasn’t finding paid out additional time.

Jason Bamford, who led the kitchen area at the culinary-themed boutique lodge from 2019 right up until very last December, submitted the suit from the hotel’s administration on Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Center District of Florida in Tampa, expressing their steps violated the Fair Labor Criteria Act.

Bamford oversaw the hotel’s Elevage cafe, Edge rooftop cocktail bar and other company and conference areas. His fit claims that on Dec. 10, he complained that his coworkers have been not being paid additional time, in accordance with the Truthful Labor Criteria Act. About a 7 days later on, the match promises, he was fired in retaliation.

Bamford is looking for a jury demo and payment for missing wages, positive aspects and psychological distress. His attorney declined to remark additional.

Through a spokesperson, the Epicurean’s administration group, Mainsail Lodging and Development, declined to remark on the circumstance, but mentioned that “the business follows all relevant condition and federal labor guidelines, such as all those relevant to extra time spend.”

Relevant: Plenty of employment, handful of hires: Labor shortage places Tampa Bay places to eat in a pinch

Bamford is not the initial worker to sue the Epicurean around unpaid overtime throughout the pandemic.

In December, previous entrance desk clerk Scottie Guess sued the hotel’s administration in the Middle District of Florida, expressing they failed to fork out him the conventional time and a fifty percent earlier mentioned the $11 for every hour he attained amongst April and September.

Guess explained in the accommodate that he worked 28 additional time hours per week, which labored out to about $10,400 in shed wages. The Epicurean disputed those several hours and denied any wrongdoing, but in April settled the situation for $10,000, moreover $4,900 in legal fees.

Designed in conjunction with Bern’s Steak Dwelling, and a aspect of Marriott’s Autograph Assortment of motels, the Epicurean opened in 2013. Mainsail Lodging and Development operates resorts and corporate lodging through the United States and Caribbean, together with the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin and Karol Lodge in Feather Seem.