A former employee of a New York City restaurant is taking legal action against his previous employers, alleging serious violations of labor laws. Manuel Flores filed a complaint on February 18, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Paisley Restaurant LLC and its owner Juthika Bedi. The lawsuit claims that the defendants failed to pay minimum wage and overtime, among other allegations.
The complaint details Flores’ employment as a dishwasher at Paisley Restaurant from June 2023 to November 2025. During this period, Flores alleges he was paid $700 weekly despite working over 70 hours each week, effectively receiving less than the state-mandated minimum wage. “Defendants knowingly and willfully engaged in a policy, pattern or practice of violating the FLSA and NYLL,” states the complaint. Flores further accuses the defendants of failing to provide necessary wage notices and proper paystubs as required by New York Labor Law (NYLL) § 195.
Flores’ lawsuit highlights several alleged violations: failure to pay overtime compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per week, neglecting spread-of-hours payments for shifts exceeding ten hours per day, and not maintaining accurate payroll records. The plaintiff contends that these actions were intentional and resulted in economic harm due to prolonged deprivation of income.
Flores seeks compensatory damages for unpaid wages, liquidated damages under both federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and NYLL provisions, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. He also requests prejudgment interest on owed amounts. The case underscores broader issues within labor practices at some small businesses where employees may face systemic underpayment.
Representing Manuel Flores is attorney Michael Taubenfeld from Fisher Taubenfeld LLP. The case is being heard by judges in the Southern District of New York under Case ID 1:26-cv-01387.
Source: 126cv01387_Manuel_Flores_v_Paisley_Restaurant_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
