Ex-Employees Demand $3 Million In Back Pay From Park Slope Eatery

BROOKLYN, NY — Former staff at a popular Park Slope eatery are demanding $3 million after the state Department of Labor determined the restaurant failed to pay them properly over several years.

The sum includes unpaid wages and overtime, along with liquidated damages, fines and other penalties the restaurant is now legally required to pay.

Officials said Indian Spice owner Mariam Khandakar was notified of the labor department’s decision earlier this fall. If she does not comply, the department could place a lien on her property.

Despite the ongoing dispute, the restaurant, located on Seventh Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets, remains open to customers.

On Tuesday, the Worker Justice Project (WJP)—a New York City-based organization founded in 2010 that educates, organizes, and advocates for better working conditions—rallied with former employees to demand the restaurant owner pay what she owes.

The demonstration included support from Brooklyn Councilmember Shahana Hanif, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

“This shows what’s possible when workers organize and city leaders stand with them," WJP leader Alejo G said. "Your bravery moves this city forward and inspires others to demand dignity. Today we rally and tomorrow we keep fighting until every worker is paid, protected, and respected."

Former employees of Indian Spice are seeking roughly $915,000 in unpaid wages and overtime, along with an equal amount in penalties and 16 percent interest, according to Department of Labor documents. The restaurant’s owner also faces more than $1 million in civil fines, the department says.

The department’s Order to Comply covers five former staff members, including a dishwasher, a busser, a server and two chefs, all of whom were affected by the wage violations.