Labor troubles at Upper Crust
Reporter Jenn Abelson covered complaints from former employees — and a probe by the US Department of Labor — on employment practices at the pizza chain.
Recent Coverage
Purchase by founder is delayed
The judge in the Upper Crust pizza bankruptcy case delayed the purchase of four of its stores by an investment firm with ties to the chain’s founder.
- 12/27/2012 Lawyer files objection to Upper Crust bidder that allegedly has ties to founder of bankrupt pizza chain
- 11/6/2012 Pizzeria's staff due $850,000, US says
- 10/9/2012 Upper Crust files for bankruptcy protection
- 6/14/2012 Upper Crust suit gets class-action status
- 6/13/2012 Split at Upper Crust
- 4/4/2012 Management shake-up at Upper Crust Pizzeria
- 2/25/2012 2 Upper Crust franchises shut down
- 10/12/2011 Pizzeria to face federal review
- 06/23/2011 Salem Upper Crust hit with $80,000 fine
- 03/15/2011 Upper Crust faces US immigration investigation
- 12/10/2010 Attorney general reportedly to probe pizza chain
- 7/21/2010 US Labor Dept. investigating Upper Crust chain
Franchisees slice ties with name
Franchise owners have been ending their relationships with Upper Crust's parent company. (4/12/13)
Judge rejects workers' pitch to buy closed pizzerias
Judge Henry J. Boroff denied the motion Thursday, saying it was too late for a new bid since the auction of Upper Crust’s assets took place Dec. 19. (Globe, 1/3/13)
- 12/31/12 Founder's deal for Upper Crust stores delayed
- 12/31/12 Employees' lawyer wants to buy locations
- 12/27/12 Lawyer for ex-employees files objection to bidder
Upper Crust closes most restaurants, leaving 140 employees out of work
The Boston-based chain will close permanently unless it gets a cash infusion soon, according to a trustee overseeing its finances.
(Globe, 11/13/12)
(Globe, 11/13/12)
Pizza chain declares bankruptcy
Boston-based Upper Crust, which defaulted on its loan to TD Bank in late September, said it owes at least $3.4 million to creditors. (Globe, 10/8/12)
Fault lines under the crust
The Upper Crust pizza chain was, from the start, favored by foodies – and by scores of illegal workers from one Brazilian village. It was a bond that benefited all, until it suddenly didn't. (Globe, 12/5/10)
