NEW YORK – Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has accused the owner and manager of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, a renowned Brooklyn establishment, of withholding wages from minimum wage employees, totaling over $20,000.

Accusations Unveiled

At a press conference on Thursday, Bragg revealed allegations against owner Anthony Piscina and Manhattan manager Frank Santora. The indictment claims that they schemed to defraud at least seven workers by withholding their rightful wages.

Employee Plight

Employees allegedly faced bounced paychecks, incomplete payments, and unfulfilled promises to settle their wages. Text messages from employees pleading for their hard-earned money were cited by Bragg, highlighting the financial distress faced by the workers.

Unpaid Wages

One employee, owed approximately $8,000, was offered a wage below the NYC minimum. Despite six years of service, an IOU letter was provided instead of payment, which remains unpaid to this day.

Legal Ramifications

Charges against Piscina and Santora include scheming to defraud and failure to pay wages, reflecting the severity of the accusations.

Grimaldi’s Legacy

Grimaldi’s, known for its brick-oven baked pizzas, boasts 40 locations nationwide, starting with its iconic establishment in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

Upholding Worker Rights

Bragg emphasized the importance of ensuring workers receive their due wages, affirming Manhattan’s commitment to protecting employee rights.

Ensuring Fair Compensation

The accusations against Grimaldi’s underscore the significance of upholding fair labor practices and ensuring employees receive just compensation for their work. Such cases highlight the importance of robust oversight and enforcement to safeguard workers’ rights.

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