Rick’s Cabaret New York Sued by Dancers Over Worker Status, Pay

Rick’s Cabaret New York and its owner are accused of cheating more than 100 exotic dancers out of $2 million in withheld wages and tips, in a new lawsuit filed in a federal court in Manhattan.

Several dancers sued Rick’s Cabaret, which is legally registered as Peregrine Enterprises Inc., RCI Hospitality Holdings Inc., and others, under the Fair Labor Standards Act and New York labor law for allegedly misclassifying them as independent contractors, rather than employees.

RCI, which is based in Houston, owns and operates more than 30 strip clubs, nightclubs, and restaurants in New York, Florida, Texas, and five ...