Judge Awards $1.85M to Beehive Espresso Workers in Wage Theft Case
A King County Superior Court judge has awarded approximately $1.85 million in unpaid wages and damages to 70 former baristas who sued Beehive Espresso owner Alan Tagle. The ruling, issued by Judge Cindi Port, found that Tagle accepted the benefits of the workers' labor without proper compensation. The case centers on allegations that employees were forced to surrender tips and wages to meet sales targets or face termination. Although Tagle has not responded to inquiries regarding the decision, the victory marks a significant legal win for the plaintiffs, who overcame isolation to organize their case.