On May 12, 2023, a jury that was convened to hear the case Garrett Hoffman v. Bear Chase Brewing Company, LLC, in the Federal Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria), entered a verdict in favor of Garrett Hoffman as to all counts under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with respect to unpaid minimum wage and unlawful tip retention. 

The Jury's decision has determined a dispute between Garrett Hoffman, who was a "beertender" at Bear Chase, and who correctly believed that he was not paid all wages and tips owed.  Garrett was awarded by the jury $34,245.61. 

The implications of this decision are enormous for workers, including those in the Virginia who are required to be in a mandatory tip pool.  If you are a tipped worker, including at Bear Chase within the last three years, please contact our office to determine whether you may have a claim against your employer for unpaid wages or tips.

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