Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sex Discrimination
Ruth’s Chris Steak House was founded in New Orleans in 1965 by Ruth Fertel (1927 – 2002), who is championed by the Company as “a woman who broke the mold.” She is widely viewed as having broken the “glass ceiling” for women in the restaurant industry. Unfortunately, Ms. Fertel’s legacy is now being destroyed by the company’s current leadership.
On October 8, 2010, Tycko & Zavareei LLP, along with co-counsel Mehri & Skalet PLLC, filed a major gender discrimination lawsuit against Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on behalf of three women who held managerial positions with Ruth’s Chris. These women, all highly talented and successful employees, allege that they hit a “glass ceiling” at the Company and were denied promotions, paid less than males who held the same or comparable positions, and faced harsher discipline than males. They also allege that the work environment was replete with tawdry sexual advances, fostered by a predominately male leadership team who themselves routinely engaged in sexual commentary and behavior demeaning to women.
Hassan Zavareei, Esq., one of the lead attorneys for the Plaintiffs, said, “These women worked hard for Ruth’s Chris but hit a glass ceiling when it came to pay and promotions. Their hard work was rewarded with gross harassment, retaliation, and ultimately termination.”
Case Documents
We are continuing to investigate sex discrimination claims against Ruth’s Chris Steak House. We would like to hear from you if you have been employed by Ruth’s Chris and have experienced discrimination and/or harassment (or witnessed any discrimination and/or harassment of others).
