Denver’s Labor Division, part of the Auditor’s Office, announced a $117,000 settlement that will fully compensate 56 former employees of the now‑closed Wash Park Grille and Agave Taco Bar. The payment includes back wages and statutory penalties, correcting a clear case of wage theft that left workers without their final paychecks during the 2024 holiday season.
Investigation and Findings
City staff launched the investigation after multiple employees complained that they never received their December paychecks. Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien described the situation as a “Christmas miracle” that arrived late, noting that the workers “spent time away from family and friends during the holidays but did not get paid when the restaurants closed weeks later.”
When former co‑owner Jeff Estey failed to provide payroll records, the Labor Division used documentation supplied by the unpaid workers themselves to calculate the amount owed. The other owner, Greg Sauber, had passed away, and the auditor’s office coordinated with his estate to resolve the matter.
Settlement Details
The settlement will distribute a total of $117,000 in full back pay and damages to the 56 workers. This outcome reflects the auditor’s commitment to enforcing Colorado’s wage‑theft laws and protecting hardworking families from unscrupulous employers.
Broader Impact and Future Protections
Denver voters will soon decide on Referred Question 2H, a ballot measure that would give the city auditor’s office permanent authority to enforce wage‑theft statutes. If approved, the measure would strengthen the city’s ability to hold employers accountable and ensure that families receive the earnings they rightfully deserve.
Residents who suspect wage‑theft can file complaints with Denver Labor via email, phone, or the agency’s website. Complaints may be submitted anonymously, providing an accessible avenue for workers to seek justice.
What’s Next for the Property?
The former restaurant site on South Gaylord Street was purchased last year by a real‑estate broker for $6 million. The space has since been redeveloped: the former Wash Park Grille now operates as Wash Park Social, opened in April, while the adjacent taco venue is slated to become Provecho Tacos & Tequila, pending opening.
This settlement underscores the importance of vigilant local oversight and the role of the auditor’s office in defending the economic well‑being of Denver’s families.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
