A former executive sous chef is seeking compensation for alleged unpaid overtime wages from his previous employers at a well-known Duluth restaurant, raising questions about wage practices in the local hospitality industry. The complaint was filed by James Mays on March 24, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against Uncle Jack’s Meat Company of Atlanta, LLC; Nu-Old Restaurant Group, Inc.; and Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse, Inc.
According to court documents, Mays worked as an executive sous chef at Uncle Jack’s Meat House from approximately August 2022 through December 16, 2024. He alleges that throughout his employment he regularly worked more than 40 hours per week but did not receive overtime premiums as required by federal law. The lawsuit states that “Plaintiff seeks to recover unpaid overtime wages from his former employers,” referencing requirements set forth by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.
The filing outlines that Mays spent over 90% of his work time performing line cook duties and was paid on an hourly basis. However, it further claims that within three years prior to filing the action, his wages were subject to deductions if he failed to work at least 55 hours per week. “As a result of the aforementioned deductions and the policy implementing such deductions, Plaintiff was not in fact compensated on a salary basis,” according to the complaint.
The document asserts that all three defendant companies jointly operated Uncle Jack’s Meat House in Duluth and that employees routinely handled goods moving through interstate commerce such as food and alcohol. It also claims that during all relevant times the business had annual gross sales or business done of not less than $500,000.
Mays argues that under FLSA regulations he should have been compensated at one-and-one-half times his regular hourly rate for every hour worked beyond forty each week. The complaint states: “At all relevant times, Defendants failed to compensate Plaintiff at one-and-one-half times his regular hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in each workweek.” As a result, Mays claims entitlement to recover all unpaid overtime premiums pursuant to federal law.
In addition to back pay for unpaid overtime hours allegedly worked during his tenure with Uncle Jack’s Meat House, Mays is seeking liquidated damages equal to those unpaid amounts as provided by statute. The suit also requests reasonable attorney’s fees and costs associated with bringing the action.
Specifically, Mays asks the court to grant a jury trial on all triable matters; issue a judgment declaring him covered by FLSA maximum hour provisions; award payment for each overtime hour calculated at one-and-one-half times his regular rate plus liquidated damages; provide prejudgment interest where applicable; award nominal damages; cover legal fees and costs; and grant any other relief deemed just or equitable by the court.
The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Charles R. Bridgers and Matthew W. Herrington of Caldwell Bridgers & Benjamin, LLC based in Atlanta. The case is identified as Civil Action No. 1:26-cv-01584-SEG.
Source: 126cv01584_James_Mays_v_Uncle_Jacks_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
