Racism Allegations at Cracker Barrel
A black server at a Cracker Barrel near Nashville has claimed she was terminated after a coworker allegedly made a complaint that involved a derogatory term like “Burnt Biscuit.” This assertion is part of a lawsuit filed recently.
Roberta Mendes, who started working at Cracker Barrel in 2015, argues in her lawsuit, which has been submitted to the US District Court for the Central District of Tennessee, that she does not receive the same treatment as her white peers. She describes instances where white staff members have referred to her using racial slurs such as “Nappy Headed n-“, “burnt biscuit,” “monkey,” and “b-.” Additionally, she reports having been physically pushed during her shifts.
The legal action suggests a broader issue within management at this Tennessee establishment, alleging that black workers have faced isolation from their white colleagues.
Some of the offensive remarks reportedly came from supervisors, including Trethomas, the shift leader.
Cracker Barrel has yet to respond to requests for comments on the situation.
Mendes has indicated that she brought these concerns to her manager, assistant manager, and general manager, Jack Kin. However, Kin allegedly responded to Mendes after her complaint in 2023.
When Mendes reached out to the human resources team about what she believed was retaliatory action, they merely advised her not to sign certain documents, as claimed in the lawsuit.
According to court documents, Mendes filed official complaints regarding her treatment and the treatment of others around August 2024. Shortly after, she was let go for supposedly violating company policies. Yet, the lawsuit emphasizes that her white coworkers have not faced similar consequences for comparable or worse behavior.
Details surrounding the specific actions that led to Mendes’ dismissal are not disclosed in the lawsuit; however, it asserts that she has consistently “met or exceeded” job performance expectations.
Mendes is seeking back pay alongside compensation for wages, benefits, legal fees, and other damages for what she claims are violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race.
