River North

Popular Brazilian Steakhouse Closes After Federal Labor Lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Labor charged the owners of Brazzaz Brazilian Steakhouse for unfairly paying their employees

A popular Brazilian steakhouse in River North closed abruptly Tuesday following charges that the owners did not fairly pay their employees.

The U.S. Department of Labor brought charges against Brazzaz Brazilian Steakhouse after complaints that some of the restaurant's employees were paid less than minimum wage and were not paid for overtime work, according to Crain's Chicago Business, who first reported the story.

The Labor Department alleged that employees were paid less than $2.13 an hour, which is the minimum wage for tipped employees after deductions for uniforms. The department also charged the restaurant for failing to pay their workers for overtime work.

As of Wednesday, the restaurant's website was no longer functioning, and the owners could not be reached for comment.

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