IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS 

EASTERN DIVISION

COMPLAINT 

NOW COMES Plaintiff, PAMELA RATLIFF, (“Plaintiff” or “named Plaintiff”), on 

behalf of herself and all other Plaintiffs similarly situated, by and through her attorneys, 

John W. Billhorn and Samuel D. Engelson of Billhorn Law Firm, and for her Complaint 

against Defendants, JOE’S BARBEQUE, INC., JOE’S BBQ AND FISH #1, INC., JOE’S BBQ

AND FISH #2, INC., JOE’S BBQ ELGIN, INC., AND EVANS WEST (the “Defendants”), states 

as follows:

I. NATURE OF ACTION

1. This action is brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §201, et 

seq., the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, 820 ILCS §105/1 et seq, and the Chicago Minimum 

Wage Ordinance (“CMWO”), § 1-24-10 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, et seq. 

PAMELA RATLIFF, on behalf of herself, 

and all other plaintiffs similarly situated, 

known and unknown, 

Plaintiff, 

v. 

JOE’S BARBEQUE, INC., AN ILLINOIS 

CORPORATION, JOE’S BBQ AND FISH #1,

INC., AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION, JOE’S 

BBQ AND FISH #2, INC., AN ILLINOIS 

CORPORATION, JOE’S BBQ ELGIN, INC.,

AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION AND EVANS 

WEST, JR., INDIVIDUALLY

Defendants. 

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No. 20-cvDistrict Judge 

Magistrate Judge 

JURY DEMAND 

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II. JURISDICTION AND VENUE

2. Jurisdiction arises under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 

U.S.C. §§ 206-207, and for the supplemental Illinois and municipal statutory claims, 

pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1367. Venue lies in the Northern District of Illinois in that during all 

times relevant to the employment relationship, Plaintiff performed work in this district and 

is a resident of this district and Defendants are or were engaged in business in this district. 

III. THE PARTIES 

3. Defendants, JOE’S BARBEQUE, INC., JOE’S BBQ AND FISH #1, INC., JOE’S 

BBQ AND FISH #2, INC., JOE’S BBQ ELGIN, INC. (hereinafter referred collectively as 

“Joe’s BBQ”) are Illinois corporations that own and operate multiple restaurants operating 

as “Joe’s Bar-B-Q”, one of which is located at 4900 W. Madison St. in Chicago, Illinois. 

Joe’s BBQ is comprised of “enterprises” engaged in commerce or in the production of goods 

for commerce within the meaning of Section 29 U.S.C. §203(s)(1)(A)(i) and based upon 

information and belief formed after reasonably inquiry, satisfies the minimum annual gross 

sales dollar amount required by 29 U.S.C. §203(s)(1)(A)(ii). During all relevant times, 

Defendants were acting directly or indirectly in the interest of the employer in relation to the 

employee Plaintiff and therefore, as defined under both the federal and state statutes relied 

upon, is an “employer.” 

4. Defendant EVANS WEST is the owner and manager of all Corporate 

Defendants that comprise Joe’s BBQ. In his capacity as owner and president of Joe’s BBQ, 

West was vested with the authority to implement and carry out the wage and hour practices 

of Joe’s BBQ. Plaintiff was directed to, and did, communicate all employment issues, 

including the wage and hour violations asserted herein, to West and West in turn responded 

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to those communications with the authority described above. Thus, at all times relevant 

hereto West was acting directly or indirectly in the interest of the employer in relation to the 

employee Plaintiff and therefore as defined under both the federal and state statutes relied 

upon, is an “employer”. 

5. Plaintiff, PAMELA RATLIFF, is a former employee of Defendants who worked 

for Defendants as a cook. Plaintiff consistently worked over 40 hours per week without 

compensation at a rate of one and one-half her regular rate of pay. 

6. Additionally, although Plaintiff was clearly an employee earning wages for 

Defendants, Defendants failed to adhere to any Internal Revenue Service or Department of 

Labor regulations related to employment taxes and classifications. Defendants failed to 

issue Plaintiff, and those similarly situated, any end-of-year tax documents (i.e. Form W-2 

or 1099) and thereby decreased the amount taxes paid by Defendants to the United States 

Treasury and depriving Plaintiff and members of the Plaintiff Class of contributions to 

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. 

7. Defendants compensated Plaintiff, and members of the Plaintiff Class on an 

hourly basis but failed to pay one-and one-half times the employees’ hourly straight time 

rates. Defendants’ failure to properly compensate Plaintiff and other members of the 

Plaintiff Class at the applicable overtime rate for work in excess of forty hours in a 

workweek is in violation of the local, state and federal laws relied upon herein. 

8. All other unnamed Plaintiffs, known and unknown (“members of the Plaintiff 

Class” or “similarly situated Plaintiffs”), are past or present hourly employees who were 

also paid only their regular, straight time hourly rate and did not receive an overtime 

premium at a rate of one-and one-half their effective hourly rate of pay for hours worked in 

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excess of 40 in a workweek as described herein. 

9. As an employee(s) performing duties for an enterprise engaged in commerce, 

the named Plaintiff and all members of the Plaintiff Class were also engaged in commerce as 

defined by the FLSA.

IV. STATUTORY VIOLATIONS 

Collective Action Under The Fair Labor Standards Act 

 10. Pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §216(b), Count I of this 

action is brought by Plaintiff as an opt-in representative or collective action, on behalf of 

themselves and other Plaintiffs similarly situated who have been damaged by Defendants’ 

failure to comply with 29 U.S.C. §201 et seq. Count II alleges a willful violation of the FLSA 

and seeks an additional third year of limitations. Count III seeks liquidated damages under 

the Fair Labor Standards Act, Section 260. 

Illinois Minimum Wage Law

11. Pursuant to the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, 820 ILCS §105/1 et seq., Count 

IV of this action is brought by Plaintiff to recover unpaid back wages earned on or before the 

date three (3) years prior to the filing of this action. Each and every Plaintiff who joins this 

case in the future shall specifically adopt and assert the claims made under this Count IV. 

The claims asserted by Plaintiff herein under the IMWL are proper for certification under 

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23. 

Chicago Minimum Wage Ordinance 

12. Pursuant to the Chicago Minimum Wage Ordinance (“CMWO”), § 1-24-10 et 

seq., of the Municipal Code of Chicago, Counts V and VI of this action are brought by Plaintiff 

to recover unpaid back wages, including overtime and minimum wages, respectively, earned 

on or before the date three (3) years prior to the filing of this action. Each and every Plaintiff 

who joins this case in the future shall specifically adopt and assert the claims made under this 

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Counts V and VI. The claims asserted by Plaintiff herein under the CMWO are proper for 

certification under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23.

V. FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS RELEVANT TO ALL COUNTS 

13. Plaintiff, at all times pertinent to the cause of action, was employed by 

Defendants, said employment being integral and indispensable to Defendants’ business. 

14. Plaintiff began working for Defendants approximately more than 20 years ago 

as a barbeque cook and has worked on and off for Defendants during that time. Plaintiff’s 

most recent stint included working continuously from early 2016 through April 2020. 

15. Plaintiff performed barbeque cook duties which included operating and 

maintaining the barbeque pit and other cooking and kitchen duties. 

16. Plaintiff was paid $12.00 per hour when she began working for Defendants. 

Plaintiff later received a raise to $13.00 per hour. At times, Plaintiff was paid below the 

minimum wage for non-tipped hourly employees required by the City of Chicago. 

17. Plaintiff often worked seven (7) days per week, ranging from 6 hours to 12 

hours per day. At times, the start and end times of Plaintiff’s shifts varied. 

18. During most of her employment, Plaintiff would typically work from 10:00 

a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday, 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Plaintiff frequently worked in excess of these assigned 

schedules due to demand and high staff turnover. Plaintiff recorded her working hours via 

punch clock and time card. 

19. During her entire employment with Defendants, Plaintiff, and members of the 

Plaintiff Class, were paid on a weekly basis paper, company check. Plaintiff, and members 

of the Plaintiff Class, were only paid their regular, straight time rates of pay for all hours 

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worked, including overtime-eligible hours in excess of 40 hours in a single work week. At 

times during her employment, Plaintiff was paid all wages in cash. 

20. Plaintiff occasionally received some additional pay that Defendants labeled as 

“tips” in addition to her regular hourly pay. The tip amount was almost always $60. 

However, this amount was not factored into Plaintiff’s effective hourly rate as required by 

law. 

21. Plaintiff separated from Defendants’ restaurants in early January 2020. 

Defendants withheld and continue to withhold Plaintiff’s final paycheck that includes wages 

for work performed from approximately December 15 – 21, 2019. 

22. Plaintiff, and members of the Plaintiff Class, on a regular basis worked in 

excess of forty (40) hours in a workweek without pay at a rate of time and one-half their 

effective hourly rate for such hours pursuant to the requirements of the federal, state and 

local statutes herein relied upon. 

23. The total number of hours worked by Plaintiff and members of the Plaintiff 

Class, and therefore the total number of overtime hours for which additional compensation 

is owed, is information substantially, if not completely, within the control and possession of 

Defendants, in that Defendants recorded or should have recorded such hours pursuant to 

the record keeping requirements found Title 29 CFR, Part 516. To the extent Defendants 

lack the records required by 29 CFR Part 516, Plaintiff and the Plaintiff class will be capable 

of providing reasonable estimates of that time, as permitted by law. 

 24. The claims brought herein by the named Plaintiff are based on non-compliant 

practices and policies implemented by the Defendants and are identical or similar to the 

claims of other past and present employees who were subject to the same non-compliant 

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policies and practices alleged herein. Those past and present employees are entitled to 

receive Notice of these proceedings and afforded opportunity to join their individual claims.

COUNT I

VIOLATION OF FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

 1-24. Paragraphs 1 through 24 are re-alleged and incorporated as though set forth 

fully herein as paragraphs 1 through 24 of this Count I. 

25. Pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §201 et seq., the named 

Plaintiff, and all other Plaintiffs similarly situated, known and unknown, are entitled to 

compensation for all hours worked and compensation at a rate not less than one and onehalf times their regular/effective rates of pay for all hours worked in excess of forty (40) in 

any week during the two (2) years preceding the filing of this action. 

26. Defendants have at all times relevant hereto failed and refused to pay 

compensation to its employees, including the named Plaintiff herein and all other Plaintiffs 

similarly situated, known and unknown as described above. 

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, on behalf of herself and all other Plaintiffs similarly 

situated, known and unknown, respectfully request this Court to enter an order awarding: 

(a) back pay equal to the amount of all unpaid overtime compensation for the 

two (2) years preceding the filing of this Complaint, according to the applicable statute of 

limitations; 

(b) prejudgment interest with respect to the total amount of unpaid overtime 

compensation; 

(c) Plaintiff’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred as a result of 

Defendants’ violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act; and, 

(d) such additional relief as the Court deems appropriate under the 

circumstances. 

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COUNT II 

WILLFUL VIOLATION OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT

 1-26. Paragraphs 1 through 26 of Count I are realleged and incorporated as though 

set forth fully herein as Paragraphs 1 through 26 of Count II.

27. Defendants’ actions as complained above were done with Defendants’ 

knowledge that the compensation policies and practices at issue were in violation of the 

statutes alleged, or with a reckless disregard for whether the policies and practices were in 

violation of those statutes. Through legal counsel as well as industry experience and custom, 

Defendants possessed ample access to the regulations and statutory provisions relating to 

the municipal, state and federal laws recited herein, but either failed to seek out such 

information and guidance or did seek out the information and guidance but failed to adhere 

to the principles of compliance as stated. 

28. Pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, Plaintiff and all other employees 

similarly situated, past or present, are entitled to compensation at a rate not less than one 

and one-half times their regular rates of pay for all hours worked in excess of forty (40), in 

the three (3) years preceding the filing of this complaint. 

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, on behalf of herself and all other Plaintiffs similarly 

situated, known and unknown, respectfully request this Court to enter an order awarding: 

(a) back pay equal to the amount of all unpaid compensation for one (1) 

additional year, totaling three (3) years preceding the filing of this Complaint; 

(b) prejudgment interest with respect to the amount of unpaid overtime 

compensation; 

(c) Plaintiff’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and Court costs incurred as a result of 

Defendants’ violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act; and 

 (d) such additional relief the Court deems appropriate under the circumstances. 

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COUNT III 

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES 

UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT 

 1-29. Paragraphs 1 through 29 of Count II are re-alleged and incorporated as 

though set forth fully herein as Paragraphs 1 through 29 of Count III.

30. In denying Plaintiff and members of the Plaintiff Class compensation as 

described above, Defendants’ acts were not based upon good faith or reasonable grounds. 

Through legal counsel as well as industry experience and custom, Defendants possessed 

ample access to the regulations and statutory provisions relating to the municipal, state and 

federal laws recited herein, but either failed to seek out such information and guidance or 

did seek out the information and guidance but failed to adhere to the principles of 

compliance as stated. 

 31. The named Plaintiff and all other past and present employees similarly 

situated, known and unknown, are entitled to liquidated damages equal to the amount of all 

unpaid compensation, pursuant to 29 U.S.C. §260. 

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, on behalf of herself and all other Plaintiffs similarly 

situated, known and unknown, respectfully request this Court to enter an order awarding: 

(a) liquidated damages equal to the amount of all unpaid compensation; 

(b) Plaintiff’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred as a result of 

Defendants’ violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act; and 

(c) such additional relief the Court deems appropriate under the circumstances. 

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COUNT IV 

SUPPLEMENTAL STATE LAW CLAIM 

VIOLATION OF THE ILLINOIS MINIMUM WAGE LAW 

 1-31. Paragraphs 1 through 31 of Count III are re-alleged and incorporated as 

though set forth fully herein as Paragraphs 1 through 31 of this Count IV.

 32. As described in the foregoing paragraphs, Defendants’ compensation policies 

and practices are in violation of the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, 820 ILCS §115/1 et seq. 

33. The Illinois Minimum Wage Law provides that an employer who fails to pay 

the required amount of wages due an employee under the law shall be liable to the 

underpaid employee or employees for the unpaid wages and for (a) an additional statutory 

interest penalty of 2% amount of the amount of such underpayments for each month 

following the date such underpayments that remain unpaid through the end of 2019 and (b) 

treble the amount of the underpayments and a statutory interest penalty in the amount of 

5% of the underpayments for damages incurred in 2020. 

34. Defendants’ failure to pay compensation as described above has been willful 

and/or in bad faith. 

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, on behalf of herself and all other Plaintiffs similarly 

situated, known and unknown, respectfully request this Court to enter an order: 

(a) declaring and decreeing Defendants’ compensation practices as described 

herein, and such other violations which may come to light during the prosecution of this 

matter, in violation of the provisions of the Illinois Minimum Wage Law; 

(b) awarding an amount of damages, to be shown by the evidence, to which 

Plaintiff and other members of the Plaintiff Class are entitled; 

(c) allowing this Court to retain jurisdiction of the case until such time it is 

assured Defendants have remedied the compensation policies and practices complained of 

herein and are determined to be in full compliance with the law; 

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(d) directing Defendants to pay to Plaintiff’s reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and 

litigation expenses, as provided by statute; and 

(e) for such additional relief the Court deems just and appropriate under the 

circumstances. 

COUNT V 

SUPPLEMENTAL MUNICIPAL CLAIM 

 VIOLATION OF THE CHICAGO MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE 

1-34. Paragraphs 1 through 34 of Count IV are re-alleged and incorporated as 

though set forth fully herein as Paragraphs 1 through 34 of this Count V. 

35. Plaintiff was an “employee” under the CMWO§ 1-24-10 of the Municipal 

Code of Chicago and was not exempt from the overtime wage provisions of the CMWO § 1-

24-050. 

36. Defendants were each an “employer” as defined in the CMWO§ 1-24-10. 

37. Under § 1-24-040, for all weeks during which Plaintiff worked more than forty 

(40) hours, he was entitled to be compensated at a rate of one and one-half times her regular 

hourly rates of pay. 

38. Defendants’ failure and refusal to pay any wages for hours worked in excess 

of 40 per week was a violation of the maximum hour provisions of the § 1-24-040. 

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, on behalf of herself and all other Plaintiffs similarly 

situated, known and unknown, respectfully request this Court to enter an order awarding: 

(a) Judgment in the amount of unpaid overtime compensation found due at the 

rate of one and one-half times Plaintiff’s regular effective hourly rate of pay for all hours 

which Plaintiff worked in excess of forty (40) hours per week; 

(b) Statutory interest damages in the amount of three times the amount of unpaid 

overtime; 

(c) Reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in filing and prosecuting this 

action; and 

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(d) for such additional relief the Court deems just and appropriate under the 

circumstances. 

 

 Respectfully submitted, 

Electronically Filed 05/22/2020 

 s/John W. Billhorn 

______________________ 

 John William Billhorn 

Attorney for Plaintiff 

 BILLHORN LAW FIRM 

53 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 401 

Chicago, IL 60604 

(312) 853-1450 

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