Managers at the Thomas Keller restaurant Bouchon in Las Vegas have been charged with sexually harassing both male and female employees, with abuse going back to 2018, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Nevada, names KVP LP, doing business as Bouchon Restaurant, and KRM Inc., doing business as Thomas Keller Restaurant Group. The filing cites both violations of federal law prohibiting a hostile work environment and sexual harassment, but also retaliation against workers who complained.
Workers at Bouchon Las Vegas were subjected to unwanted and repeated sexual advances, sexual comments, sexually offensive content, and unwelcome physical contact going back at least to 2018, the lawsuit alleges.
Despite receiving complaints, Bouchon and Thomas Keller Restaurant Group failed to take appropriate and effective action. Instead, some workers faced retaliation, the EEOC said.
The agency attempted to reach a voluntary settlement, but it appears an agreement could not be reached. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief.
The Thomas Keller Restaurant Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“Being faced with sexual harassment on a daily basis is a nightmare for employees,” said Michael Mendoza, the EEOC’s Las Vegas local office director, in a statement. “The impact of harassment on individuals can have long-lasting effects on the survivors.”
Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District, which includes Las Vegas, added in a statement, “Sexual harassment in the restaurant industry and hospitality industry is a common charge made to the EEOC. Employers have an obligation to ensure their worksites are free from harassment and retaliation and address such behavior if it arises.”
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