A federal workplace discrimination lawsuit has been filed by four Black employees — servers Margaret Bennett, Stephanie Davis and Carline Hunter, and cook Jeffrey Wright — against an IHOP franchise in Pompano Beach, Florida, and shift manager Brenda Bertetchuk.
According to The Independent, the complaint describes a workplace where the employees allegedly faced racist remarks about Juneteenth and slavery, derogatory visual insults and sexual harassment directed at Wright.
The filing claims the workers were subjected to an environment of “ceaseless bigotry,” which allegedly caused severe emotional distress and affected their ability to work. According to the court documents, the employees repeatedly complained through corporate channels, but allege that nothing was done to address their concerns.
The plaintiffs described it as a hostile workplace
One incident described in the lawsuit allegedly took place on Juneteenth, when Bertetchuk asked the employees why they had come to work if it was the day her people had “let your people free.”
The complaint also alleges that Bertetchuk wore a monkey hat around the Black employees and referred to herself as their “master” while demanding that they obey her. According to the filing, she would also “bring [them] chicken and watermelons” for Labor Day.
The filing further claims that Wright was subjected to persistent, unwelcome sexual harassment, adding another serious allegation to what the plaintiffs describe as a hostile workplace.
The situation allegedly got worse after the employees tried to report the behavior through the company’s internal channels. According to the plaintiffs, their complaints did not lead to an internal investigation or disciplinary action against Bertetchuk.
Instead, the lawsuit alleges that the employees faced retaliation. Bertetchuk allegedly cut the hours of workers who complained, reducing their weekly income and making it increasingly difficult for them to support themselves.
The complaint also alleges that Bertetchuk turned off the kitchen’s air conditioning during periods of intense heat, leaving workers to deal with what the plaintiffs describe as uncomfortable and potentially unsafe conditions.
The plaintiffs argue that the alleged treatment and retaliation eventually left them with no choice but to leave their jobs. They characterize their departures as constructive termination.
The lawsuit names the corporate franchisee, Sunshine Restaurant Merger Sub, LLC, as a defendant. The company is accused of being “recklessly indifferent” to the employees’ federally protected civil rights.
The plaintiffs allege that the franchise owner was made aware of the alleged conduct but failed to intervene, allowing the situation to continue.
The four employees are seeking damages under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. They are seeking compensation for lost wages and benefits, mental anguish, humiliation and loss of dignity, as well as punitive damages, attorney’s fees and court costs.
Bertetchuk declined to comment
While the hospitality sector has faced long-standing criticism over labor standards, the lawsuit highlights the concerns service workers can face when they allege discrimination or retaliation on the job.
Representatives for the franchisee and its attorneys have not publicly responded to the allegations or requests for comment. Bertetchuk also declined to comment on the specific allegations when contacted.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court.
Published: Aug 29, 2026 08:30 am