More Wage Complaints Surface Against The Sand Dollar
In December 2024, The Drift published a story about wage complaints filed against The Sand Dollar, a Westport restaurant owned by Brooke and Todd Hoiness. That story documented three former employees who had filed claims with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, citing unpaid wages and bounced checks. At the time, The Drift invited others with similar experiences to come forward.
The Sand Dollar Steak and Spirits
Since then, additional former employees and past investors have contacted The Drift, not just from The Sand Dollar, but also from the Hoinesses’ former businesses in Montesano—Pub Monte and Bulldog Lanes. In each case, The Drift followed up to verify the source, gather details, and request permission to include their story in a follow-up. Some individuals declined to be named publicly, citing concerns about potential retaliation. Across these accounts, similar language came up repeatedly: “duped,” “tricked,” and “manipulated.”
A public records request to Labor and Industries shows four wage complaints have been filed against The Sand Dollar, with none resolved in payment. One claim—filed by a teenage employee allegedly owed over $2,000—was withdrawn after they retained an attorney. That case remains ongoing.
The most recent L and I complaint was filed by Maddi Murray, who began working at The Sand Dollar as a baker before taking on administrative duties. She says she was preparing for maternity leave when she was promised payment via PayPal- it was sent and then retracted. She is still owed money.
“They bounced so many checks that some employees refused them,” says Murray. “Brooke would then promise payments through PayPal, Cash App, or Zelle. There was always an excuse for why the payment had not been sent. Later, she tried blaming me for their poor business practices. I wish I had gotten out sooner. It’s disappointing to have corrupt business owners like this in our community.”
In addition to wage complaints, a records search of Grays Harbor County Superior and District Court turned up six legal cases naming Todd or Brooke Hoiness as defendants, and two more under The Sand Dollar name. All cases are either tax warrants or tort claims, indicating unpaid taxes. Recent filings include a November 2024 state tax warrant for over $17,000 and a Labor & Industries warrant from April 2025 for nearly $3,000.
(Public court records can be searched here.)
The payment issues extend beyond employees. Local musician Clinton "Dogger" Mullins posted a warning on the Grays Harbor Music Facebook page about his experience with The Sand Dollar.
“I hosted an open mic there and was paid through PayPal,” Mullins wrote. “Then Brooke contested the payment, and PayPal reversed it. I tried multiple times to get in touch and was told I’d be paid in a week. Eventually, they just stopped responding. It might not seem like a big deal, but for a full-time musician, $300 plus fees is a lot. I had people warn me, and I wish I’d listened.”
One investor in Montesano, who asked to remain anonymous, said they contributed $10,000 to one of the Hoinesses’ previous restaurants after being approached by Brooke.
“She seemed credible,” the investor said. “Then she closed the restaurant without telling me and took off with the money. I’ve reported everything to the police.”
Eric Stegner, who worked at Bulldog Lanes, shared similar concerns.
“They still owe me hundreds of dollars and regularly withheld tips that should have gone to me,” Stegner said. “They led me to believe I’d be offered an executive chef position at Pub Monte, and I shared a binder of original recipes with that understanding. I never got paid, never got my binder back, and later saw my recipes on their menu.”
Stegner later discovered he had never been officially filed as an employee, which caused tax complications that required help from a tax advocate.
The stories shared with The Drift reveal a consistent pattern across multiple businesses: unpaid wages, irregular payroll practices, and financial disputes that extend to musicians and investors. While each individual account varies, the themes are strikingly similar, leaving many feeling misled, frustrated, and financially harmed. In a small community like ours, these issues ripple outward, affecting not only those directly involved but also the broader sense of trust and accountability in local businesses.
The Drift will continue to report on this issue and welcomes additional information from readers willing to share their experiences.