Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, EEOC NEWS—Bouchon, Thomas Keller Restaurant Group to pay $2M to settle EEOC sexual harassment suit, (Jul 16, 2026)

By Patricia K. Ruiz, J.D.

The settlement resolves allegations of harassment and retaliation at a Las Vegas restaurant.

Bouchon Restaurant and Thomas Keller Restaurant Group have agreed to pay $2 million and provide additional relief to resolve an EEOC lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation at a Las Vegas restaurant. The EEOC alleged that female and male employees were subjected to sexual harassment by supervisors and coworkers over a period beginning in at least 2018. The agency also alleged that the employers failed to take appropriate corrective action despite receiving complaints and retaliated against some workers who reported the conduct.

Allegations. According to the EEOC's lawsuit, male supervisors and coworkers at Bouchon's Las Vegas location subjected female and male employees to unwanted and repeated sexual advances, sexual comments, sexually offensive conduct, and unwelcome physical contact. The agency alleged that the companies failed to take appropriate action to prevent sexual harassment despite receiving complaints, leaving employees vulnerable to ongoing harassment. The suit also alleged that some employees experienced retaliation after complaining about the conduct.

The EEOC contended that the alleged conduct violated Title VII, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, and bars retaliation against individuals who complain about sexual harassment or otherwise engage in protected activity. The agency filed the action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada after attempting to resolve the matter through its administrative conciliation process.

“Sexual harassment is illegal and continues to be a problem in the restaurant industry,” Beatriz Andre, acting regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District, said in a statement. “As it did in this action, the EEOC will continue to enforce federal law.” Michael Mendoza, director of the EEOC’s Las Vegas Local Office, said the agency would continue its efforts to combat workplace sexual harassment in the restaurant and hospitality sector and protect workers who report discriminatory conduct.

The EEOC’s Los Angeles District Office, which includes Las Vegas within its jurisdiction, brought the case.

The case is No. 2:23-cv-01308.

Companies: KVP, LP; Bouchon Restaurant; KRM, Inc.; Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

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