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Tropical Grille

Controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2026

    Tropical Grille ordered to pay over $700K for child labor, tip and overtime violations

    Fine or penalty

    The U.S. Department of Labor announced that Tropical Grille, a South Carolina Cuban restaurant chain, was ordered to pay $618,666 in back wages to 779 employees across 13 locations plus $100,000 in penalties after investigators found tip pool, recordkeeping, overtime and child labor violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

    Company response

    • Refund or compensation — Tropical Grille

      Tropical Grille paid $618,666 in back wages to 779 employees across 13 Tropical Grille locations.

    • Remediation — Tropical Grille

      The Department of Labor said the company is now required to update or create materials that address compliance with child labor laws and provide annual training on child labor regulations for managers and supervisors.

    • Clarification — Tropical Grille

      Tropical Grille responded to the investigation in a statement on Thursday.

    Source excerpt

    • On Monday, Aug. 24, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that investigators found tip pool, recordkeeping, and overtime violations at all 13 Tropical Grille locations
    • The investigation also revealed that the restaurant group violated the hazardous occupation provisions of the FLSA and allowed 14- and 15-year-olds to work longer and later than legally permitted by federal child labor laws.
    • Tropical Grille, the Cuban restaurant chain in South Carolina, has been ordered to pay more than $700,000 after federal investigators found child labor, tip and overtime violations.
    Source