So this is what our Federal Government has evolved into. Go stomping into some tiny business, that has 5 or 6 employees and telling the owner how to compensate his employees. Deciding who can be paid a salary and who is hourly.

I've noticed the tip can at the register. Never tipped. Why, for what ? For putting beans on my plate in an excellent way ? Just get rid of the tip can and problem solved.

This is between Zach Edge and his employees. No one is forcing anyone to work for him. Surely the DOL has bigger fish to fry, but then, I'm not sure why we need a DOL.

booooo

So this is what our Federal Government has evolved into. Go stomping into some tiny business, that has 5 or 6 employees and telling the owner how to compensate his employees. Deciding who can be paid a salary and who is hourly.

I've noticed the tip can at the register. Never tipped. Why, for what ? For putting beans on my plate in an excellent way ? Just get rid of the tip can and problem solved.

This is between Zach Edge and his employees. No one is forcing anyone to work for him. Surely the DOL has bigger fish to fry, but then, I'm not sure why we need a DOL.

That's some real "Oldman Yells at Cloud" energy you got going there.

So this is what our Federal Government has evolved into. Go stomping into some tiny business, that has 5 or 6 employees and telling the owner how to compensate his employees. Deciding who can be paid a salary and who is hourly.

I've noticed the tip can at the register. Never tipped. Why, for what ? For putting beans on my plate in an excellent way ? Just get rid of the tip can and problem solved.

This is between Zach Edge and his employees. No one is forcing anyone to work for him. Surely the DOL has bigger fish to fry, but then, I'm not sure why we need a DOL.
+1 just like able

That's some real "Oldman Yells at Cloud" energy you got going there.
Sure it is not the other way around?

Well, then they've over stepped their bounds.

Time to get rid of them.

So employees of smaller companies like this don't deserve fair wages and treatment like those at the big companies? Got it!

So employees of smaller companies like this don't deserve fair wages and treatment like those at the big companies? Got it!

You don't know that. He could've been paying them a good wage where they don't need tips.

I really don't want to get involved more in this discussion. But one point I do want to add is that there was a period of time where Edge Craft was doing mandatory tips (I would have to look back at some of my receipts to see what the percentage was, something like 10-15% automatically added at the end of each purchase), with a note posted saying it was to cover higher operating expenses. So, that could be playing a role in all this.

I really don't want to get involved more in this discussion. But one point I do want to add is that there was a period of time where Edge Craft was doing mandatory tips (I would have to look back at some of my receipts to see what the percentage was, something like 10-15% automatically added at the end of each purchase), with a note posted saying it was to cover higher operating expenses. So, that could be playing a role in all this.

I never saw that. Its just your word.

I would guess, that its really hard for him to get help.

He's open four days a week. And its 11 am until he sells out.

Maybe hourly wage is not the way for him to get help . ya think.

But hey, I know a bunch of backyard barbecue people who would work for him for free, to learn.

Ah, looks like it was a 12% service fee that was automatically applied, not a tip. But looks like this would have been around 2022 based on the dates on this (hopefully attaching this works), so probably not relevant to these series of events.

Also, I no way agree with this reviewer (I think Edge Craft is the best tasting BBQ I've had in the metro), more wanting to highlight the words from the ownership.

19457

Ah, looks like it was a 12% service fee that was automatically applied, not a tip. But looks like this would have been around 2022 based on the dates on this (hopefully attaching this works), so probably not relevant to these series of events.

Also, I no way agree with this reviewer (I think Edge Craft is the best tasting BBQ I've had in the metro), more wanting to highlight the words from the ownership.

19457

And which employee was that suppose to go to ?

Hey people, if someone is putting prime Creekstone brisket on a 1K propane smoker, using post oak, in OKC .............then I'm gonna pay, whatever I gotta pay.

If you want cheap barbecue, go to Leo's . Or Jacks. Or Earls.

Good barbecue ain't cheap, not matter what the Federal DOL might think. Which, the DOL has no clue about good barbecue.

But hey, I know a bunch of backyard barbecue people who would work for him for free, to learn.

Sure, there's so much free labor out there he commits payroll violations for the hell of it.

You don't know that. He could've been paying them a good wage where they don't need tips.

I can GUARANTEE you it was not a paying customer who filed a complaint with the DOL...

I can GUARANTEE you it was not a paying customer who filed a complaint with the DOL...

Hey, there's plenty of cheap barbecue elsewhere. .............. so go get it .................and leave Zach alone.

Hey, there's plenty of cheap barbecue elsewhere. .............. so go get it .................and leave Zach alone.

bro it’s not about the barbecue it’s about the fact that he stole SEVENTY THOUSAND dollars from his employees!!!!

Don't get the thread shut down due to being egged on.
The ignore option works

Don't get the thread shut down due to being egged on.
The ignore option works

Yep

You don't know that. He could've been paying them a good wage where they don't need tips.

If only there was an orginization who could come in and look into that. Ohhhhh wait.

Zach Edge has been reading this thread and wanted me to post this statement on his behalf:


“Over two years ago, during our first year of operation as new business owners, we misinterpreted Department of Labor (DOL) employee wage regulations. Though our employees were making above industry standard and well over minimum wage at that time - including receiving 100% of tips - we were applying DOL regulations incorrectly. Once we understood our mistakes, we immediately took responsibility and corrected the errors. We’ve committed to a payment plan with DOL. We continue to focus on providing a great workplace for our employees and excellent, small-batch barbeque for our Edge Craft patrons.”

That's interesting considering DOL found the owner kept the tips (according to KFOR article).

Hope this was truly a misunderstanding because it's my local favorite.

I’m not in an industry that has to deal regularly with DOL in the capacity restaurants do, but I do lead a business in a heavily regulated industry, with tens of thousands of complex rules that rarely have consistent, uniformly applied interpretations. I have to rely on teams of lawyers to interpret what seems, on its face, like relatively straightforward regulation, but is actually highly nuanced and dependent on innumerable variables.

All that to say, I’d give Zach the benefit of the doubt, especially as a small business owner who likely doesn’t have the resources to hire lawyers to assist and in all likelihood is having to try to navigate regulations on his own. It’s not easy. It’s very stressful. And mistakes can happen.

The government does not make it easy to run a business in this state or country and then loves to seemingly randomly bring down the hammer, often targeting small businesses who can’t resource themselves like major corporations. It’s good the DOL is protecting workers and their wages and it’s good Zach is complying with a plan to rectify, but I’d recommend everyone first attempt to understand the context of these things before bringing out the pitchforks.

I’m not in an industry that has to deal regularly with DOL in the capacity restaurants do, but I do lead a business in a heavily regulated industry, with tens of thousands of complex rules that rarely have consistent, uniformly applied interpretations. I have to rely on teams of lawyers to interpret what seems, on its face, like relatively straightforward regulation, but is actually highly nuanced and dependent on innumerable variables.

All that to say, I’d give Zach the benefit of the doubt, especially as a small business owner who likely doesn’t have the resources to hire lawyers to assist and in all likelihood is having to try to navigate regulations on his own. It’s not easy. It’s very stressful. And mistakes can happen.

The government does not make it easy to run a business in this state or country and then loves to seemingly randomly bring down the hammer, often targeting small businesses who can’t resource themselves like major corporations. It’s good the DOL is protecting workers and their wages and it’s good Zach is complying with a plan to rectify, but I’d recommend everyone first attempt to understand the context of these things before bringing out the pitchforks.

Couldn't agree with this more. I have seen both sides of this complex issue. I have seen the company with high paid lawyers even make mistakes. I have seen employees get taken advantage of. It is never easy to run a business and this city makes it even harder.

These things usually stem from a disgruntled employee and the restaurant industry is often the only haven for people who can't find work elsewhere. I know enough really good, caring restaurant operators that it seems there is a never-ending stream of employee drama.

As an employer, I have been sued twice for completely outrageous things that were beyond ridiculous. I also managed HR for a large organization. The complexity of any one person is hard enough, and when multiplied is hard to comprehend.

I just tend to see the world more from the employer's/owner's point of view because of my ample experiences.


Edge Craft is such a great addition to our food scene that I hope this all blows over, especially since this is all in the process of being rectified.

Yeesh, some of yall give no benefit of the doubt. I could imagine the DOL under Biden is not fun to work with and they definitely arent flexible. This is the same DOL that would love to get rid of the gig economy even though thousands of individuals are happy to set their own hours and schedule working as a gig contractor. They didnt fine the guy, charge him and I assume he didnt admit any guilt. Made a mistake and is paying it back. Whats the issue?

But by all means, please dont go if you are mad about it. The lines have got too long for me so I'd appreciate a shorter wait.

Everybody likes a good public execution when it is not happening to them.

Everybody likes a good public execution when it is not happening to them.

Yep, and I've been on the other side of this and you simply would not believe how crazy things can get.

Drove by Edge Craft today at about Noon. It was packed with no parking spaces available in the lot or on street parking. I think the public has spoken for now.

This is becoming absurd.

Everyone has made their points repeatedly -- time to move on.

This is becoming absurd.

Everyone has made their points repeatedly -- time to move on.

1) Thank you, Pete.

2) This board seems to have more and more unhappy people everyday. It is slowly becoming similar to the cry babies on the OKC Reddit page.

1) Thank you, Pete.

2) This board seems to have more and more unhappy people everyday. It is slowly becoming similar to the cry babies on the OKC Reddit page.

That subreddit increases my appreciation for this forum every time I visit. And, yes, I still visit the subreddit because I'm not a smart man.

That subreddit increases my appreciation for this forum every time I visit. And, yes, I still visit the subreddit because I'm not a smart man.

Free entertainment is better than no entertainment!

Just came back from here. First time at EC. There was a long line outside and they did not open the doors until 11:05 is was a little chilly. Once inside I was towards the back of the line and it took about 25 minutes to place my order. 2 meat combo with brisket and pulled pork. Brisket was very good and they asked me if I wanted fatty or lean. Pulled pork was average. Red beans and rice was excellent and the Mac and Cheese was pretty good. Overall not as good as Clark Crew for the same price imo but better than most.