ORLANDO — A former employee is suing an Orlando restaurant, alleging retaliation and sexual harassment.
Bridget A. Malovany filed a complaint April 10 in Orange County Circuit Court against Bento Group Management LLC and Bento UCF, LLL doing business as Bento Cafe, alleging violation of the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992.
According to the complaint, on Nov. 13, 2016, Malovany started working for Bento Cafe in Orlando as a server and cashier. During her employment, Malovany says she was subjected to numerous harassment actions by the restaurant manager Emmanuel Galacia.
She alleges she and other female employees were sexually harassed on an almost daily basis. Despite her numerous complaints to management, the suit states, the harassment never stopped until Galicia terminated Malovany's employment Aug. 28, 2017.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to take prompt and effective remedial action despite receiving constructive notice of Galicia's sexual harassment and participated in the hostile work environment or condoned it with its inaction.
Malovany seeks trial by jury, judgment for lost wages and other compensation, plus prejudgment interest, compensatory and punitive damages of more than $15,000, attorney fees, costs, and all other appropriate relief. She is represented by attorney Ronald W. Fraley of The Fraley Firm PA in Tampa.
Orange County Circuit Court case number 18CA003649