The US Department of Labor is suing the El Tequila restaurant chain for $1 million over unpaid hours and back pay owed to 220 staff employees. Among other complaints, workers were required to turn over all their tips to management, sometimes causing their wages to fall below the federal minimum. Some put in 70 hours yet were paid for only 40. Carlos Aguirre, owner of the El Tequila chain, was not available for comment.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57540511/us-suing-tulsa-restaurant-chain-over-unpaid-wages/ (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57540511/us-suing-tulsa-restaurant-chain-over-unpaid-wages/)
I like El Tequila, but if that's how they treat their employees, I won't be dining there anymore.
Quote from: Ed W on October 25, 2012, 08:20:27 PM
The US Department of Labor is suing the El Tequila restaurant chain for $1 million over unpaid hours and back pay owed to 220 staff employees. Among other complaints, workers were required to turn over all their tips to management, sometimes causing their wages to fall below the federal minimum. Some put in 70 hours yet were paid for only 40. Carlos Aguirre, owner of the El Tequila chain, was not available for comment.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57540511/us-suing-tulsa-restaurant-chain-over-unpaid-wages/ (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57540511/us-suing-tulsa-restaurant-chain-over-unpaid-wages/)
I like El Tequila, but if that's how they treat their employees, I won't be dining there anymore.
Are they partners in the Los Americas FAILboat on 51st St. where Green Onion used to be? I realize they've got an El Tequilla location in the old Johnnie's spot at the Skelly Dr. and Harvard. Just curious as I wasn't real impressed with how the owner/manager of LA was treating his employees one night when we went in.
I don't usually frequent El Tequilla, but I certainly would not now.
Quote from: Conan71 on October 25, 2012, 09:13:59 PM
Are they partners in the Los Americas FAILboat on 51st St. where Green Onion used to be?
No
Oh Boy. The little Lady won't like this. When the location in Broken Arrow opened we went so much the staff knew us and treated us like local celebrities or VIPs. She knew their names and we always had a great time and they knew just how strong she liked her margarita.
Of course the staff never looked like they were treated bad or unfairly. The last time that we were there was a couple of months ago and there are maybe two people that we recognized.
I like their food and the price is not that bad. But like you guy's said. I don't believe that I can support that kind of management, when the wait staff are the people who make the difference of you coming back or not.
It seems to me Tulsa has man "niches" of mexican food chains. Tex Mex (On The Border, El Guapo, Mexicali Border, Chuy's), Mex Mex (Las Americas, Taco Trucks), and "near mex" (El tequila, señor tequila, Mexico Lindo, etc) and while I like certain places in the first two categories, there seems to be an abundance of "meh" in the third. I've been two two El Tequilas but hadn't been that excited by either one.
My rule of thumb is that if the restaurant is named after the margarita or its ingredients, it's going to be mediocre at best.
Quote from: nathanm on October 26, 2012, 04:58:10 PM
My rule of thumb is that if the restaurant is named after the margarita or its ingredients, it's going to be mediocre at best.
(http://www.ethanwiner.com/e-coli.jpg)
Conan's Habanero Salida
(salida looks like salad.... translates to "exit"...Guido!)
Quote from: nathanm on October 26, 2012, 04:58:10 PM
My rule of thumb is that if the restaurant is named after the margarita or its ingredients, it's going to be mediocre at best.
I've always been that way as well, yet MC and I tried a "Tequillas" in Taos a couple of years ago and had amazing meals. Best shrimp diablo I've ever had with the exception of MC's.
I guess the locals weren't quite as enamored since it was closed when we were through there in August.
Since this has traveled out of state - Phoenix airport, concourse D. Just back from the gate area, a little local place called El Barrio. Beyond superb! Exceptional!! It is a second location for a local place in a kind of ragged part of town...
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on October 26, 2012, 10:50:28 PM
Since this has traveled out of state - Phoenix airport, concourse D. Just back from the gate area, a little local place called El Barrio. Beyond superb! Exceptional!! It is a second location for a local place in a kind of ragged part of town...
This is something I am looking forward to on a trip I am planning back to Phoenix to meet up with former coworkers on job opportunities there. Haven't been to this place, but have been to many like it.
I would have just quit.....
Quote from: nathanm on October 26, 2012, 04:58:10 PM
My rule of thumb is that if the restaurant is named after the margarita or its ingredients, it's going to be mediocre at best.
I have said a similar thing about Italian restaurants with a past in their name. Spaghetti or macaronia anything sucks
Quote from: RecycleMichael on October 27, 2012, 06:10:54 PM
I have said a similar thing about Italian restaurants with a past in their name. Spaghetti or macaronia anything sucks
We stayed away from Spaghetti Warehouse for about 10 or 12 years for exactly that reason. No kids around, so no built in demand to go. Had one grandkid come for extended visit about 1 1/2 years ago, so we went back by popular demand....kid demand...and it wasn't half bad - pleasantly surprised. Went a few more times since then, kid left 6 months ago, so have been back once about 3 weeks ago. Very disappointing again. Can now wait another 10 years....
IMHO, Arizona's has some of the best Mex in town.
Quote from: sgrizzle on October 26, 2012, 09:52:54 AM
It seems to me Tulsa has man "niches" of mexican food chains. Tex Mex (On The Border, El Guapo, Mexicali Border, Chuy's), Mex Mex (Las Americas, Taco Trucks), and "near mex" (El tequila, señor tequila, Mexico Lindo, etc) and while I like certain places in the first two categories, there seems to be an abundance of "meh" in the third. I've been two two El Tequilas but hadn't been that excited by either one.
How can you leave El Rio Verde out of this conversation?
My favorite Mexican food is Tacos El Rinconcito at Skelly & Braden. Best refried beans in town.
Quote from: sgrizzle on October 26, 2012, 09:52:54 AM
It seems to me Tulsa has man "niches" of mexican food chains. Tex Mex (On The Border, El Guapo, Mexicali Border, Chuy's), Mex Mex (Las Americas, Taco Trucks), and "near mex" (El tequila, señor tequila, Mexico Lindo, etc) and while I like certain places in the first two categories, there seems to be an abundance of "meh" in the third. I've been two two El Tequilas but hadn't been that excited by either one.
Which category does Cafe Ole fall in? My guess is "near mex"?
Quote from: carltonplace on October 29, 2012, 09:44:29 AM
Which category does Cafe Ole fall in? My guess is "near mex"?
I consider Ole' to be New Mexican. Similar to "Mexican" served in Austin or Sante Fe.