Now you know how that famous prime rib gets its flavor.
Phoenix- from www.bizjournals.com - Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar will pay nearly $250,000 to three men as a result of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation.
The EEOC investigation found that Fleming’s DC Ranch Chef Tod Rawson sexually harassed male kitchen workers.
According to the EEOC: “Rawson frequently pinched or squeezed his subordinates’ private parts, flicked their genitals with his bare hands, and groped them from behind. Rawson even used kitchen utensils from the restaurant to touch his victims’ genitals through their clothing”, the EEOC said.
The EEOC said that evidence uncovered during the lawsuit revealed that several managers at Fleming’s knew what was happening well before formal charges were filed but did nothing to stop it.
The EEOC said Rawson later resigned from the firm.
“We want the public to know that sexual harassment isn’t just about misconduct between men and women,” said Phoenix District EEOC Office Director Rayford Irvin.
“It includes sexually abusive behavior between people of the same sex also. Regardless of your gender or anyone else’s, you don’t have to tolerate sexual harassment.”
Fleming’s Executive Vice President Joseph Kadow said the company has always been committed to a workplace free of harassment.
"Fleming’s acted responsibly under the circumstances of this case and settled the matter, without admitting liability, to avoid the distraction of continued litigation," Kadow said. "Fleming’s is proud of the excellent work environment we provide for our associates."
