Boston Market, once a major player with over 1,200 locations, has drastically declined due to financial struggles, quality issues, and competition from grocery stores like Costco offering cheaper rotisserie chickens, leaving fewer than 20 stores remaining and facing uncertain future.
The New Jersey Department of Labor has temporarily closed down 27 Boston Market restaurants in the state due to multiple violations of workers' rights, including over $600,000 in unpaid wages owed to 314 employees. The state has also imposed nearly $2.6 million in penalties against the company. The investigation began after a worker filed a complaint, and subsequent complaints have been received regarding several Boston Market locations in New Jersey. The company has requested a hearing to challenge the state's findings.
More than two dozen Boston Market locations in New Jersey have been shut down by the state after failing to pay their workers. The New Jersey Department of Labor claims that the restaurants owe over $600,000 in back pay to hundreds of employees and have been accused of violating minimum wage and sick leave regulations. The franchise has also been hit with nearly $2.6 million in penalties. Boston Market has been struggling and facing lawsuits for unpaid bills, resulting in the closure of numerous locations in recent years. The company has the right to appeal and a hearing is scheduled for August 23.