Allegations of Racial Harassment

A former employee, alleging wrongful termination following complaints about racial harassment at a West Fargo restaurant, initiates legal action against the business’s parent company in federal court.

Incident at Spitfire Bar & Grill

Thomas L. Williams, an African-American barbecue chef, claims he was dismissed just one week after lodging a complaint about a racially insensitive joke made by an assistant manager at Spitfire Bar & Grill.

Employment Timeline

Williams served as a barbecue chef at Spitfire from December 2019 to February 2022.

Legal Allegations

Accusing GTL Management LLC of breaching federal law and the North Dakota Human Rights Act, Williams seeks redress for the alleged discrimination.

Commission’s Findings

The North Dakota Labor & Human Rights Commission’s investigation in November found reasonable cause to believe Spitfire had violated anti-discrimination statutes.

Conciliation Efforts

Despite the commission’s findings, efforts to reach a conciliation agreement proved unsuccessful, as relayed to Spitfire in January.

Spitfire Grille

Damages Sought

Williams pursues damages exceeding $75,000 as part of his legal recourse.

Company Response

A manager representing Spitfire declined to comment on the matter.