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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Former Employee Alleges Sex-Based Discrimination Against Chicago Pizzeria

Federal Court
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A former employee is suing a popular Chicago pizzeria for alleged sex-based discrimination and retaliation. Kathya Quintana filed the complaint against Luigi’s Paisans Pizza Clark, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on August 16, 2024.

According to the complaint, Quintana was employed as a server and bartender at Luigi’s Paisans Pizza from December 22, 2023, until her termination on May 17, 2024. She alleges that her dismissal was discriminatory and retaliatory, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The complaint details how Quintana entered into a consensual romantic relationship with her General Manager, Julio Fregozo, on April 1, 2024. Initially harmonious, their relationship soured when Fregozo accused Quintana of complicating his ongoing divorce by allegedly contacting his ex-partner—a claim she denies.

Quintana asserts that she was terminated by Thalia Pulido, a supervisor subordinate to Fregozo, due to complications arising from her relationship with him. Despite both parties being involved in the relationship, only Quintana faced immediate termination while Fregozo retained his position without any repercussions. "This explicit difference in application of the disciplinary policy between myself, a female employee, and Julio [Fregozo], a male employee, shows the company's discriminatory practices," Quintana stated in her filing.

The lawsuit also highlights that Fregozo has allegedly engaged in multiple romantic relationships with female coworkers—some reportedly non-consensual—without facing any disciplinary action. An HR investigation into these allegations is currently pending. Throughout her employment, Quintana claims she met or exceeded performance expectations and never received any negative performance remarks or write-ups.

Quintana is seeking several forms of relief from the court: back pay and benefits; interest on back pay and benefits; front pay and benefits; compensatory damages for emotional pain and suffering; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; injunctive relief; punitive damages; reasonable attorney’s fees and costs; and any other relief deemed just and equitable by the court.

The case is being handled by attorneys Nathan C. Volheim and Sophia K. Steere from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while Judge Amrith Kaur Aakre presides over it under Case ID: 1:24-cv-07355.

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