Former Salt North Tap Room employee sues for unpaid wages

Lawsuit alleges restaurant owner frequently shorted workers and delayed paychecks

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A former head chef at Salt North Tap Room in Bangor, Maine has filed a lawsuit against the restaurant, alleging that the owner, Dane Morgan, repeatedly failed to pay him his full weekly salary of $1,923 and that the restaurant violated state wage laws by not providing pay stubs or paying wages on time. The lawsuit seeks back pay, damages, and attorney fees.

Why it matters

The allegations against Salt North Tap Room highlight ongoing challenges that restaurant workers can face in getting their rightful wages, especially at new or small businesses. The lawsuit could set a precedent for how Maine enforces its wage laws and protects workers' rights.

The details

According to the lawsuit filed by former head chef Johnathan Williams, Salt North Tap Room frequently shorted his paychecks and delayed paying him for weeks at a time. Williams also said he did not receive pay stubs, so he is unsure if taxes were properly withheld. The lawsuit alleges that Salt North's violations of Maine's wage laws were "willful and deliberate." At least four other Salt North employees have also quit over late and unpaid wages.

  • The lawsuit was filed on February 9, 2026.
  • Williams' lawyer sent a letter to owner Dane Morgan on January 20, 2026 demanding employment records and back pay, but Morgan did not provide the records before the lawsuit was filed.

The players

Johnathan Williams

A former head chef at Salt North Tap Room who is suing the restaurant for unpaid wages and violations of Maine's wage laws.

Dane Morgan

The owner of Salt North Tap Room, who is accused of frequently shorting employees' paychecks and delaying wage payments.

Salt North Tap Room

A restaurant in Bangor, Maine that is being sued by a former employee for unpaid wages and labor law violations.

Peter Mancuso

The lawyer representing Johnathan Williams in the lawsuit against Salt North Tap Room.

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What they’re saying

“Salt Maine repeatedly failed to pay Williams his weekly wages”

— Lawsuit (Bangor Daily News)

“Running a small business is hard. Owning the responsibility when things fall behind is harder — and that part is on me.”

— Dane Morgan, Owner, Salt North Tap Room (Facebook)

“I won't be debating details publicly, but I do want to say this directly: Running a small business is hard. Owning the responsibility when things fall behind is harder — and that part is on me.”

— Dane Morgan, Owner, Salt North Tap Room (Facebook)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed and if Dane Morgan and Salt North Tap Room will be required to provide Johnathan Williams' employment records.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges that restaurant workers can face in getting their rightful wages, especially at new or small businesses. It underscores the importance of strong enforcement of state labor laws to protect vulnerable workers.