Wisconsin Burger King Owner Ordered to Pay Teen Workers Back Wages

State investigation found nearly 2,000 child labor law violations at 105 franchises over two years.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The operator of more than 100 Burger King franchises in Wisconsin, Cave Enterprises, LLC, has been ordered by the Evers administration to pay over $237,000 in unpaid wages to its teen employees. State officials found nearly 2,000 child labor law violations at Cave's franchises over a two-year period, including allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work without proper permits and having minors work outside of allowed hours and without meal breaks.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of enforcing child labor laws to protect young workers from exploitation and unsafe working conditions. It also comes after years of Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin working to roll back such protections, making the Evers administration's actions to hold violators accountable significant.

The details

The state Department of Workforce Development opened an investigation into Cave Enterprises after receiving 33 complaints about child labor and wage violations at individual Burger King franchises owned by the company. The investigation found Cave Enterprises violated Wisconsin child labor laws at least 1,656 times between 2023 and 2025, including allowing 593 employees ages 14 and 15 to work without the required child labor work permit. Hundreds of minors were also found to have worked outside of allowed hours, and 627 teen employees worked shifts of six hours or more without a meal break, all in violation of state law.

  • The investigation covered a two-year period ending in January 2025.
  • Cave Enterprises may pay up to $828,000 in penalties to avoid litigation.

The players

Cave Enterprises, LLC

The operator of more than 105 Burger King franchises in Wisconsin that was found to have violated child labor laws.

Tony Evers

The Governor of Wisconsin who ordered Cave Enterprises to pay back wages to teen workers.

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What they’re saying

“We have a responsibility to make sure kids who are working are protected from exploitation, predatory employer practices, and being subjected to hazardous or illegal working conditions, and that's a responsibility we must take seriously.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin (jsonline.com)

What’s next

Cave Enterprises has the option to pay a penalty of up to $828,000 to avoid litigation from the Department of Workforce Development.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for strong enforcement of child labor laws to prevent the exploitation of young workers, especially as some lawmakers have sought to roll back such protections. The Evers administration's actions demonstrate a commitment to holding violators accountable and upholding workplace safeguards for minors.