Protesters in Front of Popular Livermore Eatery Upset About Construction Practices

LIVERMORE, CA — Protesters in front of Sauced BBQ & Spirits this week had nothing to do with the Livermore location, a Sauced restaurant manager said.

It was Tuesday afternoon and locals near Sauced looked across the street and saw something other than the usual crowd lining up for the lunch specials. Men carrying picket signs.

A restaurant spokesperson says the protesters are construction union members who are upset and protesting about construction practices and the use of union labor at the Sauced’s new Sacramento locations currently under construction.

“The protesters currently taking up residence in front of Sauced BBQ & Spirits in Livermore are an independent entity and not directly employed by Sauced BBQ & Spirits,” the company said in a statement. “There is no wage dispute with our employees.”

The protesters had not yet reappeared at the restaurant Wednesday morning and could not be reached for comment.

Sauced representatives said they will continue to provide their "southern hospitality and good service" despite the presence of the protesters.

The popular eatery made headlines in December when it dumped tipping in favor of an automatic 20 percent charge on bills. The money would have been distributed to service workers and kitchen staff, increasing the total compensation for cooks and prep workers but the idea was short-lived after an immediate and vehement outcry from diners. The restaurant returned to traditional tipping as of Jan. 25.

Sauced is located at 2300 First St. Sauced has a second location in Petaluma.

Patch Editor Bea Karnes contributed to this report.

Photo courtesy Nick Hernandez