La Villetta II – Unpaid Overtime and Other Wages

In April 2025, Kessler Matura P.C. filed a lawsuit on behalf of two restaurant workers against La Villetta II, an Italian restaurant in Ronkonkoma, New York.

The lawsuit alleged that the restaurant failed to pay proper overtime wages to a cook and a dishwasher who regularly worked more than 40 hours per week. Instead of receiving overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular rate, the workers were paid a fixed weekly salary split between check and cash payments.

The complaint also alleged that the cook worked shifts spanning more than 10 hours without receiving the additional “spread-of-hours” pay required by New York law. Both workers claim they did not receive accurate wage statements showing their true hours worked and proper overtime rates.

The case sought to recover unpaid overtime wages, spread-of-hours pay, statutory damages liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

The case settled and was approved by the Court in December 2025.

If you experienced similar issues while working a restaurant, or if you have any other questions regarding your workplace rights, please contact Troy L. Kessler or Jocelyn Small.