Texas BBQ Restaurant Closed, Under Investigation By U.S. Department of Labor

A restaurant in the state of Texas, which is currently closed, is also under investigation for allegations regarding paying employees. Here is what is know at time of writing.

Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ's Closure

According to Chron, Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ closed on April 25th, 2024. A post to social media described the reason for closing:

Per the post, the eatery will reopen for business on May 8th. The restaurant itself has been given high marks, making an appearance in the Top 50 BBQ places in Texas via Texas Monthly. This was in 2021.

Two years later in 2023, the eatery relocated to 308 S. Main St., Buda. In addition, the business hired more individuals to assist with the business. But, soon after, the business faced allegations of not compensating the people they hired.

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Valentina's Accused Of Not Paying Employees, Further Money Issues Discovered

Chron reveals that the Austin American-Statesman reported that the high schoolers that Valentina's hired accused the business of both tip stealing and not paying their employees. However, this wasn't the only issue money-wise the business was facing.

According to the Austin Business Journal, it was revealed the eatery was in debt. The amount of money was an estimated $2.3 Million. As stated by the Austin Business Journal, $1.5 Million is indebted to InKind.

In addition to the debt issue for the eatery, the U.S Department Of Labor's Wage and Hour Division is making inquiries into the restaurant, in regards to the alleged failure to pay their employees.

As this is a developing story, we will have more information when it becomes available.