In the fast-paced restaurant and hospitality world, every dollar counts—and for PLAY Sports Bar, a popular Florida-based restaurant and entertainment venue, unclaimed tax credits were silently draining financial resources they didn’t know existed. That changed when they partnered with Worksite, a full-service Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that helps small and midsized businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and uncover hidden value.
The Hidden Opportunity: Missed FICA Tip Tax Credits
Operating a restaurant with more than 30 employees, PLAY Sports Bar had long focused on creating top-tier dining experiences, managing staff, and optimizing day-to-day operations. But behind the scenes, a major opportunity was being overlooked: the FICA tip tax credit.
Their former PEO failed to identify and implement this program, leaving years of tax credit money unclaimed—funds that could have been used to fuel growth and operational improvements. That all changed when Worksite stepped in with a deep-dive payroll analysis and a proactive recovery strategy.
Step One: Recovering Over $90,000 in Missed Tax Credits
Worksite’s team conducted a comprehensive three-year payroll review, uncovering more than $90,000 in unclaimed FICA tip tax credits. We then guided PLAY Sports Bar by assisting their accountants in amending past returns to legally and accurately recover the missed savings.
This immediate influx of capital gave PLAY’s leadership the financial boost they needed to reinvest in key areas of the business.
Step Two: Ongoing Savings
Beyond just recovering missed funds, Worksite implemented a system for quarterly FICA tip credit claims. This proactive approach meant that PLAY Sports Bar no longer had to wait until the end of the year to capture savings—they now benefit from ongoing, predictable cash flow.
The result? An estimated $35,000 in annual tax credit savings, which now helps offset over 40% of PLAY’s total service costs.
Step Three: Full-Service Payroll & HR Support
In addition to maximizing tax credits, Worksite provides PLAY with comprehensive payroll, HR, and compliance support. By taking on time-consuming administrative responsibilities, Worksite allows PLAY to focus on its core mission: creating an exceptional customer experience.
With Worksite managing back-office operations, PLAY’s leadership is able to invest more energy into business growth, training, and customer service.
Reinvesting for Growth
Thanks to Worksite’s customized support, PLAY Sports Bar didn’t just recover lost funds—they strategically reinvested them to secure long-term growth:
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- Expanded Hiring: With more predictable cash flow, PLAY increased staff to maintain high service standards during peak hours.
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- Operational Upgrades: Investments in new kitchen equipment and point-of-sale systems helped streamline operations.
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- Marketing Expansion: Targeted marketing campaigns boosted brand awareness and attracted new customers.
Each of these investments helped elevate PLAY’s competitive advantage in a crowded market.
Real Results, Real Impact
PLAY Sports Bar’s transformation highlights the measurable impact of the Worksite partnership:
- $90,000+ recovered in overlooked tax credits
- $35,000 in annual savings via quarterly FICA claims
- Improved cash flow for consistent reinvestment
- Reduced admin burden through payroll and HR support
- More efficient operations, stronger team, and increased visibility
Why Choose Worksite?
Worksite doesn’t just manage payroll and HR—we help unlock hidden financial opportunities, reduce risk, and drive business growth. Our proactive, personalized approach allows businesses like PLAY Sports Bar to maximize every dollar and focus on what really matters: their people and their performance.
If you suspect your business may be missing out on key tax credits or struggling with back-office complexity, Worksite offers a solution.
Start Your Own Success Story
Don’t leave money on the table. If you’re a restaurant, bar, or service-based business, there could be tens of thousands in unclaimed tax credits waiting for you—just like there were for PLAY Sports Bar.
Visit WorksiteHR.com or call (941) 677-0110 to schedule your free consultation and uncover what your business may be missing.
