Linda Brownell has filed a class action lawsuit against several restaurant entities, accusing them of systemic wage and hour violations. The complaint was lodged in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, on January 29, 2025. The defendants named in the case include Angel City Bell LLC, Golden Gate Bell LLC, Golden Gate Bell Restaurant Holdings LLC, and Diversified Restaurant Group LLC.
The lawsuit alleges that these companies have consistently failed to adhere to California's labor laws by not paying minimum and overtime wages, neglecting to provide required meal and rest breaks, failing to reimburse business expenses, and issuing inaccurate wage statements. Brownell claims that these actions have been part of a deliberate strategy by the defendants to enhance their profits at the expense of their employees' rights. According to the complaint, "Defendants engaged in a systematic pattern of wage and hour violations under the California Labor Code," which has led to unfair competition practices.
Brownell seeks compensation for unpaid wages, reimbursement for business expenses incurred by employees, statutory penalties for labor code violations, as well as interest and attorney fees. Additionally, she demands injunctive relief to prevent further unlawful practices by the defendants. The suit also calls for civil penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) for various labor code breaches including failure to pay timely wages during employment and upon termination.
Represented by Aegis Law Firm PC with attorneys Samuel A. Wong, Kashif Haque, and Jessica L. Campbell leading her legal team, Brownell is pushing for a jury trial. The case is identified as Case No. 25CV457917 with Judge M. Suarez overseeing proceedings.