A former employee of a popular restaurant chain has filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and harassment at her workplace. Ciara Komeh lodged the complaint on December 12, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Ashkar 15, Inc., which operates under the name Fontano's Subs & Pizzeria. The case outlines allegations of race-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The plaintiff, Ciara Komeh, an African-American woman of Sierra Leonean descent, claims she faced discriminatory treatment during her employment at Fontano's Subs & Pizzeria from August 17 to October 19, 2024. Komeh alleges that her coworker Catherine (last name unknown), who is neither Black nor African, frequently harassed her by criticizing her work in front of customers and using derogatory language. "You're doing it wrong," and "You're stupid," were some of the phrases Catherine allegedly used. On one occasion, Catherine reportedly called Komeh a "black bitch" and later used a racial slur that left Komeh feeling isolated and distressed.
Komeh reported these incidents to her supervisors Frank and Frankie but claims no effective action was taken to address or stop the harassment. Instead, after reporting these issues multiple times, she was terminated from her position on October 19 by Frank’s wife Jackie. When questioned about why she was being fired despite being the victim of harassment, Jackie allegedly responded that they would "talk to" Catherine but proceeded with terminating Komeh's employment.
Komeh's lawsuit asserts violations under both Section 1981 and Title VII due to race-based discrimination and harassment as well as retaliation for reporting such conduct. She argues that Fontano's Subs & Pizzeria failed to investigate or mitigate the hostile work environment effectively. As a result of this alleged misconduct, Komeh seeks back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Ciara Komeh is attorney Peyton M. Paschke from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., based in Lombard, Illinois. The case is presided over by judges within the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID: 1:24-cv-12756.