A world-renowned Napa Valley restaurant has been hit with bombshell claims of unpaid wages and vile bathrooms.
Elena Flows Beteta is suing French Laundry and Thomas Keller Restaurant Group over alleged violations of the California labor code, per the Press Democrat.
Beteta, who worked as a dishwasher from 2022-2025, filed the suit in Napa County Superior Court on behalf of her and “over fifty current and former aggrieved employees,” she claims.
The lawsuit alleges The French Laundry employees had to work off the clock. APAccording to the complaint, the restaurant and its owners failed to “consistently pay for all hours worked, including overtime hours,” per the outlet.
“Plaintiff was required to work off the clock, work through meal and rest periods without compensation, received pay stubs that failed to accurately reflect her hours and premium wages, and was not paid final wages upon separation,” per the complaint.
One of the more shocking allegations included claims that plantiff had to walk 10 minutes from the restaurant to use a bathroom in a storage unit, which was allegedly “consistently filthy,” the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
According to the complaint, they would also miss meal periods, and when they were allowed to take them they were “often later, short and/or interrupted,” per the SF Chronicle.
The suit against the famed Napa Valley restaurant includes allegations of unpaid wages and vile bathrooms. Getty ImagesThe Thomas Keller Restaurant Group told the California Post that they “only became aware of this lawsuit through the media.”
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“The lawsuit is filed by a single employee only. That employee makes a baseless claim that she represents other employees as well. She does not,” the statement said.
Thomas Keller head chef and owner of the restaurant French Laundry in Yountville. © Evan Hurd/Corbis“Beyond this one employee, no other employee at the French Laundry has raised any issues about underpayment.”
“The fact is that the French Laundry complies fully with all California employment laws. We look forward to proving that this lawsuit from a single employee has no basis whatsoever.”
The restaurant told the Press Democrat that it denied “any allegations that have been made against the company.”
“We value our employees and maintain a respectful, professional, and inclusive workplace,” the statement said.
The Thomas Keller’s restaurant group includes the French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro in Napa Valley, Per Se in New York City and Bouchon Bistro in Vegas. AP
World’s top chef Rene Redzepi announced he was leaving Noma amid a series of scandals. Getty Images“We are committed to complying with all applicable employment laws and regulations, and we maintain policies and practices designed to promote fairness and compliance across our organization.”
The Thomas Keller’s restaurant group includes the French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro in Napa Valley, Per Se in New York City and Bouchon Bistro in Vegas.
A hearing for Beteta’s lawsuit is scheduled for the end of August, according to the court. The California Post has reached out to her attorney for further comment.
