Owners of Cowbell restaurants reach settlement over labor law violations

Cowbell Settlement Reaches $83,000 in Back Wages and Fines, Judge Still Pending Approval

A Maine‑based burger chain has agreed to pay employees approximately $83,000 in back wages and fines, but the settlement has yet to receive final approval from a judge.

Cowbell, which operates restaurants in Biddeford, Westbrook, and Scarborough, reached a negotiated settlement after a lawsuit alleging wage and hour violations. The company’s lawyers and the plaintiffs’ representatives concluded the deal, agreeing to compensate workers who were allegedly underpaid and to pay a fine for the alleged breaches.

The settlement amount—roughly $83,000—covers the total of unpaid wages and the penalties. While the parties have signed the agreement, it remains subject to judicial review. A judge has not yet signed off on the terms, so the payment is not yet mandatory.

Cowbell’s Biddeford, Westbrook, and Scarborough locations have been the focus of the dispute, as the company’s employees filed the complaint in Maine state court. The lawsuit alleged that workers were not paid for all hours worked, and that the chain failed to comply with state labor regulations.

If the judge approves the settlement, the company will be required to reimburse workers and pay the fine. Until then, the agreement is still on hold. Cowbell has not yet issued a statement on the matter.

The pending approval underscores the importance of ensuring compliance with wage‑and‑hour laws. Employees who believe they have been affected can contact the Maine Department of Labor for guidance and assistance.