TALLAHASSEE -- An Applebee's franchise is being sued by a former employee for racial discrimination.
Kiara Green filed a complaint on August 9 in Leon County Circuit Court against Neighborhood Restaurant Partners Florida Two, LLC d/b/a Applebee's for race discrimination and retaliation.
According to the complaint, Green was an employee at Applebee's, and on July 9, 2018, she arrived at work and was called into the office of manager Vicky Griffin. Green alleges that she was told she could no longer have blonde hair, which she was hired with, and was told it was because she is a Black woman and blonde hair is not a natural color for a Black woman.
Griffin allegedly told Green the decision had come down from higher managers than her. Green allegedly spoke to higher managers, who said that her hair was not an issue and she could keep it blonde, the suit claims.
Green alleges also hearing Griffin make racial or ethnic comments about and to other employees including a Black male and a Jewish male. Green alleges that another manager, Brittany, also treated Green differently by giving her extra work, due to her race. Green was then asked to write up a report of all incidents on both managers and provide the report to General Manager Smith. Upon review of the report, Smith allegedly told Green her allegations were unsubstantiated and she was terminated.
Green seeks general and compensatory damages, attorneys fees and cost of suit. Green is represented by Marie A. Mattox, P.A.
Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit in and for Leon County, Florida, filing number 132329775