About 9:30 Monday morning three employees of the Maple Street Mansion in Carrollton are huddled around one of the tables in the bar waiting for their boss to arrive, hoping he will be bringing them some money. As of today, they said, they will be owed a month’s back wages and they are not sure they will be working.

Bryan Sutton, head chef at the restaurant, said he’s running out of money and patience. The sous chef, who asked not to be named, said he’s already given restaurant general manager Larry Jones his notice.

“I gave my notice last Tuesday,” said the chef, a graduate of culinary school. “I was thinking it would be good for my resume to work here, versus something like a commercial place or a corporate place. I’d rather work in one of these kind of places because it’s much nicer.”

But, he has three kids to support. He needs his paycheck.

The Mansion has had a tough time operating. S&R Catering bought the restaurant in 2006 before closing. Mandeville House LLC purchased it in July 2009. It reopened about three months ago under the current management.

It has had a myriad of problems since. The Web site advertising the restaurant mistakenly says it is closed. A Facebook page started in October has been fairly active and business is just starting to pick up as word gets out that the restaurant is open, but there isn’t enough staff to handle the business. The kitchen staff, which started out at 12, has dwindled to four as people leave to find other jobs. In addition, employees say the restaurant is no longer receiving shipments from food vendors. Instead, Jones is buying from local grocery stores, which means the food is more expensive than buying in bulk.

“When you can’t pay the purveyor that brings your food and you’ve got to start going to Sam’s or Kroger to buy your food, that’s one foot in the grave right there,” the sous chef said.

So, while the Mansion is still advertising grand opening events, these employees are wondering when and if they will see any money for their work.

The employees gathered here, some who won’t talk, wondering how long the restaurant can continue this way. Still, the ones that are still here are working because they want to see the business succeed, said Melissa McDaniel, who makes salads for diners.

“It’s hard to find a job in Carrollton,” McDaniel said. “So, I was happy to see that sign.”

McDaniel had been out of work for between six and nine months when she applied at the Mansion and was hired on the spot. She was thrilled to have a job and proud to be working at the Mansion. However, even with the job, McDaniel had to move back in with her mother because without being paid she could no longer afford to live on her own.

After Jones came in later that morning, he told the employees he would not be paying them, McDaniel said.

She went to the Department of Labor Monday afternoon about the problem. Employees at the DOL office told her that although they will investigate, they couldn’t help her recoup her back pay. She is planning to round up as many employees as she can to help with the investigation.

“All the people that was employed at the Mansion is going to be at the Labor Department first thing in the morning,” McDaniel said.

Jones, who did not return repeated phone calls, could not be reached for comment.