Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Il Fornaio settles EEOC harassment lawsuit
Settlement
Il Fornaio settled a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that alleged widespread sexual harassment and retaliation against female employees. Il Fornaio denied wrongdoing and stated that the settlement was not an admission of liability. As part of the settlement, the company committed to workplace reforms, including a dedicated human resources function and an external monitor.
Il Fornaio settled an EEOC lawsuit alleging widespread sexual harassment and retaliation against female employees. Il Fornaio denied wrongdoing and said the settlement was not an admission of liability; it committed to workplace reforms, including a dedicated human resources function and an external monitor.
Company response
Denial — Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio denied any wrongdoing, stating that the settlement is not an admission of liability but a means to avoid the costs and uncertainties of continued litigation.
Remediation — Il Fornaio
The company has committed to implementing workplace reforms, including maintaining a dedicated human resources function and hiring an external monitor to ensure compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits sexual harassment and retaliation.
Source excerpt
Il Fornaio, a California-based Italian restaurant chain, will pay $3 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over allegations of widespread sexual harassment and retaliation.
The lawsuit, which was settled on October 13, accused the company of creating a hostile work environment for at least 100 female employees, many of whom were teenagers,