Napa, California — A Northern California Mexican restaurant chain has permanently shut down following federal investigations that revealed child labor violations and led to nearly $50,000 in fines.
C Casa, which operated locations in Napa, Emeryville, and San Ramon, announced the closure on January 1 via its website and social media. “For the past 15 years, you’ve been part of our journey — sharing meals, laughter, and memories,” the restaurant’s statement read, thanking customers for their loyalty.
According to a December 26 report from the U.S. Department of Labor, the chain employed minors as young as 14 during prohibited school-day hours and allowed them to operate hazardous equipment. Additionally, the restaurant failed to accommodate a nursing employee with adequate time and space to express breast milk and retaliated against her by reducing her work hours and income.
Federal authorities imposed $45,570 in civil penalties for the child labor violations and recovered $3,300 in lost wages for the nursing employee. Donald Hines, Assistant District Director of the Wage and Hour Division, emphasized the importance of safeguarding young workers and ensuring equitable conditions for women in the workplace.
C Casa’s owner, Catherine Bergen, contested the allegations, stating the issues had been addressed and criticizing the Department of Labor’s statements as misleading.