A DOL investigation of Rick Ross Wingstop franchise found that Boss Wings Enterprises LLC made illegal deductions that reduced employees’ pay below the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The company was ordered to pay $114,427 in back wages, damages, and civil penalties.
Investigators discovered that staff at five Mississippi franchise locations had to cover costs for uniforms, training, and background checks. Managers also deducted register shortages from their paychecks. These practices pushed wages under the legal minimum. On top of that, one location let a minor work past 10 p.m., breaking federal child labor rules.
As part of the enforcement, the Department of Labor required Boss Wings to provide $51,674 in back wages to 244 workers and pay $62,753 in civil penalties.
Lessons learned from the case:
- Employers cannot make deductions that bring pay below the minimum wage.
- Child labor rules set strict limits on the hours minors can work.
- Wage and hour violations often result in financial penalties and corrective action.
- Businesses need strong compliance practices to avoid repeated violations.
Learn more about Mississippi Labor Laws through our detailed guide.
