Sid Ahmed Ahmed Sidi, a former employee of a New York-based convenience store, has filed a lawsuit alleging significant labor violations and breach of contract. On February 24, 2026, Sidi lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Sam Deli Grocery Market Corp, ABR Convenience Corp., and Amr Alzawqari. The lawsuit accuses these defendants of failing to pay minimum wage, overtime, and a promised profit share as per their agreement.
The case unfolds with Sidi’s claims that during his tenure at Sam Deli Grocery Market Corp and ABR Convenience Corp., he was not compensated according to federal and state labor laws. He alleges that from December 29, 2023, until December 2025, he was paid below the statutory minimum wage required in New York City—$16.00 per hour in 2024 and $16.50 per hour in 2025—and was not provided overtime pay despite working extensive hours beyond the standard workweek. Sidi further contends that his employment began with him receiving only $200 weekly for a grueling schedule of 98 hours per week, solely paid in cash without any formal wage statements or notices.
The plaintiff also accuses the defendants of breaching a Partnership Agreement signed on August 5, 2025. According to this agreement, Sidi invested $37,500 in exchange for a 25% share of Sam Deli’s profits—a commitment he claims was never honored by Alzawqari. Instead of receiving his rightful share of profits or even the promised weekly salary of $1,500 after transitioning to cashier duties and later managerial roles, Sidi asserts he continued to receive only $500 weekly.
In seeking justice through the court system, Sidi demands several forms of relief. These include unpaid wages under both federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York Labor Law (NYLL), liquidated damages due to delayed payments, compensation for breach of contract regarding unpaid profits from Sam Deli’s operations, as well as statutory damages for failure to provide proper wage notices and statements as mandated by NYLL. Additionally, Sidi seeks declaratory judgments against unlawful practices by the defendants alongside compensatory damages amounting up to $5,000 each for non-compliance with wage notice provisions.
Represented by attorney Robert D. Salaman from Akin & Salaman PLLC law firm based in New York City; Sid Ahmed Ahmed Sidi’s legal battle is presided over under Case ID: 1:26-cv-01541.
Source: 126cv01541_SID_Ahmed_v_Sam_Deli_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
