Ten Sweetgreen employees have filed a lawsuit against the salad chain, accusing seven of its New York City restaurants of racial discrimination. The plaintiffs claim that their co-workers and managers regularly used racial slurs and made racist comments. The lawsuit further alleges that Black employees were not hired or promoted adequately, while Hispanic workers received preferential treatment.
The plaintiffs also assert that complaints made to Sweetgreen’s management and human resources department were ignored. Additionally, the lawsuit includes claims of sexual harassment, with managers making inappropriate comments and physical contact. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary and punitive damages and payment of attorneys’ fees. The lawsuit has been amended to include eight new plaintiffs and additional restaurants. Sweetgreen, currently facing legal responsibility for its managers’ discriminatory conduct as per New York City law, has not yet responded to the allegations.