Bagatelle To Settle Wage Theft Lawsuit For $1.1M

MEATPACKING DISTRICT, NY — Upscale French bistro Bagatelle will pay current and former employees $1.1 million to settle a wage theft lawsuit, according to court documents filed on Monday.

The trendy restaurant, which is frequented by celebrities and known for its extravagant boozy brunches, agreed to the payout amid a number of lawsuits foisting unflattering accusations on the company. The proposed settlement, which is still pending final court approval, would distribute much of the $1.1 million payout to about 100 employees who were part of the class-action lawsuit. Bagatelle does not admit liability as part of the proposed settlement. The suit was filed in May of last year and accused the restaurant, located at 1 Little W 12th St., of withholding tips and improperly paying employees.

The fancy Meatpacking restaurant has locations around the world. The New York location is facing a number of other lawsuits, including one that accuses management of seating patrons by race. Two former employees said Bagatelle discriminated against them and that the restaurant had a policy for isolating non-white and "ugly" diners in corners of the restaurant to make them feel unwelcome, according to the lawsuit.

Bagatelle did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Patch.

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Lead image via Jason Carter Rinaldi / Stringer / Getty Images Entertainment.