Ellen’s Stardust Diner Accuses Singing Servers of Stealing $400K in Cash

The owners of Times Square tourist destination Ellen’s Stardust Diner are suing the famously singing servers for allegedly stealing from the restaurant — a lawsuit that comes not long after several staff members tried to unionize and accused the business of illegally withholding tips.

The restaurant’s owners Ken and Ellen Sturm claim that nearly 60 employees have stolen close to $400,000 over years of working at the restaurant, according to the Post. Many of the servers — typically actors who work there in-between gigs — had been at the restaurant for years. The Sturms claimed that one man stole close to $40,000 over four years.

But the attorney for the employees say that Sturms are just trying to scare the people who still work at the restaurant. Management changed last year, and shortly after, the staff formed a union. In December, several employees filed a class action labor lawsuit against the diner — alleging that the restaurant owed them overtime and tip money.

It’s a lot of drama for the 1950’s-themed diner that’s been open since 1987. The restaurant remains open, and servers still break out into Broadway songs during meals.

• Stardust Diner’s singing servers accused of stealing nearly $400K [NYP]