Upscale steakhouse chain accused of stiffing workers as California and Las Vegas locations shutter

Echo & Rig, an upscale steakhouse chain with restaurants in California and Nevada, is facing two closures and allegations that it failed to pay workers their wages and tips. The claims have prompted a class-action lawsuit and a referral to federal labour officials, while the chain’s financial difficulties have raised doubts about its remaining Las Vegas restaurant.

The Sacramento restaurant has closed permanently after eight years, and the Henderson site was locked out by its landlord over unpaid rent. Chef and owner Sam Marvin said in late October that the company owed workers less than $50,000 but did not have the cash to pay them then; he estimated about 81% of staff had been paid. A former Henderson employee said he was owed roughly $1,500 to $2,000, while the original Las Vegas restaurant has reopened after a water-related closure but now operates shorter hours.