'No Chicken For You!' New Jersey Just Shut Down 27 Boston Markets. Here's Why. More than two dozen Boston Market restaurants in New Jersey have been closed by the state.

By Dan Bova Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • The operator of 27 Boston Market outlets failed to pay more than $600,000 in back wages.
  • In total, Boston Chicken of NJ owes more than $2.5 million.
  • The operator plans to challenge the state's findings.

After discovering multiple workers' rights violations — including failure to pay 314 employees more than $600,000 in back wages — New Jersey State labor officials issued stop-work orders to 27 Boston Market restaurants in the state and imposed a nearly $2.6 million penalty.

Per a press release from the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the investigation began after it received a complaint in November 2022 from a Boston Market worker in Hamilton, Mercer County. "Since then, nearly three dozen additional complaints have been received naming several New Jersey Boston Market locations," reads the release. "Initial findings included citations for: unpaid/late payment of wages, hindrance of the investigation, failure to pay minimum wage, records violations, failure to pay earned sick leave, and failure to maintain records for earned sick leave."

Related: Family Scammed by Fake Southwest Airlines Agent After Being Stranded in Maui, Forced to Pay $3,400

Investigators discovered $607,471 in back wages were owed to 314 workers, as well as $1,214,942 in liquidated damages. Boston Chicken of NJ was also hit with an administrative fee of $182,241.30 and $549,500 in administrative penalties. In total, Boston Chicken of NJ is getting roasted for a total of $2,554,154.30.

"With restaurants across the country, Boston Market needs to set a better example for fair treatment of its workers," said Joseph Petrecca, assistant commissioner of NJDOL's Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance.

The New York Post reports that there are 31 Boston Market restaurants in New Jersey and that the Boston Chicken of NJ has requested a hearing to challenge the state's findings. If you want to support franchise restaurants that provide stable work environments for their employees, visit Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list to discover the best-in-class food and restaurant brands.

Related: 'Screaming Her Head Off': Pay-It-Forward Line at Taco Bell Goes Awry, Sparks Chaos at Drive Thru

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

From Elite Athletes to Tech Titans — Discover the Surprising $100-Million Habit That Leads to Extraordinary Success

Success comes from mastering focus, eliminating distractions and prioritizing what truly matters.

Business Process

The Best Times, Days and Months To Post on YouTube (2023)

When is the best time to post YouTube videos to maximize their effect? Discover the best time to post on YouTube in this detailed guide.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.