In a compelling legal battle that sheds light on labor rights and employer responsibilities, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against his previous workplace for alleged wage violations. The complaint was lodged by Rogelio Lopez Manzano in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on November 19, 2025, targeting Kips Bay Hospitality LLC, operating as Tara Rose Restaurant Bar, along with individuals Kevin Doherty and Conor Fox.
Rogelio Lopez Manzano claims he was employed at Tara Rose Restaurant Bar from April 15, 2021, to September 28, 2025. During this period, he worked as a busboy, food runner, and barback but alleges that he spent over 20% of his time performing non-tipped duties such as cutting fruits and cleaning. This misuse of job roles allegedly allowed the defendants to pay him below the minimum wage by unlawfully taking advantage of tip credits. The complaint highlights that Mr. Lopez worked over 40 hours weekly without receiving appropriate overtime compensation or “spread of hours” pay for shifts exceeding ten hours per day. According to the plaintiff’s attorneys at Michael Faillace & Associates P.C., these practices violate both federal laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state laws under the New York Labor Law (NYLL).
The lawsuit accuses Kips Bay Hospitality LLC and its owners/managers Doherty and Fox of maintaining inaccurate records and failing to provide necessary wage notices or statements. It argues that these actions were part of a broader policy affecting other employees similarly situated to Mr. Lopez. The plaintiff seeks class-action status under Rule 23 for others affected by these alleged practices. He demands unpaid wages, liquidated damages equal to unpaid wages, statutory penalties for notice violations, pre-judgment interest, attorney fees, and costs.
The case is overseen by Judge [Name not provided] with Case ID: 1:25-cv-09660. Representing Mr. Lopez is Michael Faillace from Michael Faillace & Associates P.C., an experienced employment litigation firm based in New York City.
Source: 125cv09660_Rogelio_Lopez_v_Kips_Bayr_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
