San Francisco's House of Prime Rib Faces New Class Action Lawsuit Over Labor Practices

The iconic steakhouse is accused of denying breaks, enforcing off-the-clock work, and pressuring employees to waive meal periods.

Former server Shawn Hyatt filed a class action lawsuit on December 2, alleging labor violations at House of Prime Rib, including denying staff mandated breaks and meal periods.
The lawsuit claims management discouraged rest breaks, monitored employees with cameras to prevent off-site meals, and required staff to work off the clock while waiting for tip calculations.
Employees were allegedly asked to sign meal waivers under misleading claims about California labor laws, with threats of reduced hours or loss of tips if they took breaks.
House of Prime Rib owner Joe Betz and his son Steven Betz, named in the lawsuit, deny the allegations and plan to defend against the claims.
This is the second such lawsuit against the restaurant in 18 months, following a previous case settled in October 2024 for undisclosed terms.