Proper fast-food management techniques

Amanda Nichols, 17, had the fast-food job-from-hell at a Steak 'n' Shake in suburban St. Louis:

• When she fell out of favor with her boss, the boss made her clean floorboards with a toothbrush, she says.
• When she tried to take a break, an argument erupted with her boss, whereafter she was referred to as "Whore, whore! Skank, skank!"
• When an employee cut himself, coworkers discovered the first-aid kit contained only aspirin, so they just ran the wound under water.
• When she left one night, another coworker tried to rape her in the parking lot, unzipping his pants, removing her apron and demanding sex.

All this was worth $180,000 for Amanda, the EEOC has decided in her sexual-harassment suit. AP story.

Amanda's deposition (73pp)
Totally gross and outrageous Statement of Material Facts

Comments

[Nukesgt]

I would say that it was a reasonable settlement. She should have quit when he told her to clean the floorboards with a toothbrush though. Now the other sanitation issues are a problem for the health department and OSHA.

[Nukesgt]

Also the attempted rape is a separate crime and that knucklehead needs to be put away for a very long time.

[onetime]

and then Atis and a friend went to ask directions after a bank robbery.....

That guy is messed up. If that was my sister I would hope she had a screwdriver in her car. There's his little poke.

[aqua]

We have nicknames for each other where I work. We don't have a "whore" or a "skank" though.

[Sasquach]

Sadly enough, I've heard of and seen much worse in the food service industry.

Anybody seen waiting? It wasn't that far from the truth.

[onetime]

Good Movie. From the reports out there it does seem fairly accurate though. Aside from "the batwing".

[You're a mean drunk R2D2]

Hmmm my new get rich quick plan.

Step 1: Get a job at a fast food joint.

Step 2: ???

Step 3: Sue for hundreds of thousands of dollars! and PROFIT!

[lr]

Gosh why didn't I file suits against former assistant managers of Wal-Mart when I was young and naive in my college days?? At least three were very out of line and I didn't file a sexual harassment suit. Too late now, darn!

[joel]

im really not one of those people that says "she was asking for it" but it seems like she let this go on for a long time without letting anyone know who could help her. im glad the piece of feces that did this to her got arrested, although for unrelated charges. she must have really needed that job.

i agree nuke; fair, well deserved settlement. glad she got it.

[aqua]

It's always the second step, that is the kicker, is't it R2D2?

[You're a mean drunk R2D2]

I know.... it's always one of the middle steps that throw me off.. But I at least have a starting point and a ending point.

[JewwellsP]

Maybe it was the low cut tops, the low cut jeans & the mini skirt. The coming to work w/o a bra.
Maybe thats why they figured she was looking.
These girls wear this stuff everyday then wonder why some guys get that idea..

[blondie2hot7]

Have you been to Hooter's jewwelsP? I won't patronize a restautant that has women dressed like that (and no, I really didn't know the ONLY time I ever went that was their theme) They may as well make that a "Mens Only Club", not a restaurant. As for the attempted sexual assult, there should be seperate charges filed in that deal. And yes, when things started getting that ugly, it would of been time to start job searching long ago, sounds like to me. I'll bet there's a bit more to the story that didn't get printed.. Just my opinion.

[You're a mean drunk R2D2]

I will have to say I love me thems chicken wings at hooters :)

[G]

You won't go into hooters because they have hot waitresses?

Why?

[blondie2hot7]

I wasn't "knocking" the food there r2d2, what I was "knocking" was the attire they wear.. I don't believe I would apply for a job there, although, and yes I say although, I could probably get a job there if I pursued it. Hooter's, IMO, is a "go between" type job for college gals, and women with big, well, and skinny waists, I'll leave it at that. I agreee, the chicken wings were good, but the view had a lot to be desired. My 16 yr old loved the scenery. I should of just acted on my 1st impulse, turn around and leave.

[OldMan]

Maybe I did too good of a job defending Biggin...

I notice a couple of bloggers using terms that were "disgusting" when speaking of a missing woman, but seem appropriate when discussing 17 year old mothers and women that win sexual harassment suits.

It really shouldn't matter what women wear to work. I don't think they are out of line in believeing that they shouldn't be groped or harassed.

Also, just because one may THINK something, does not give them the right to ACT OUT THEIR THOUGHTS.

Good Lord, at what point might they have a little common sense. I mean, just because I appreciate the art, doesn't mean I should fondle the picture.

[blondie2hot7]

G: I don't like the attire the waitresse's wear, and my husband didn't either for that matter. I just think it's inappropriate for a restaurant to have it's service employess bare their bodies to the customers, it's just my preference to not go there. I believe they should have a " few more clothes on", geeeeeeeeeez, do they have to dress like that year round? And to answer your upcoming question................ NO, they don't intimidate me, but I choose not to dress in that mannner, and I'd rather have "chickens" running around half naked while I'm trying to eat, than to see girls/women doing exactly that.

[Sasquach]

This is why so many more workplaces have dress codes anymore.

[blondie2hot7]

Thats a fact sasquach. I believe that would stop a lot of the harrassing of employess. I'm by no means saying they are asking for it, but hey, you have to know they understand exactly what kind of situation they are getting themselves into. I'm not saying that the incident in St.Louis was a provoked one. I just believe that they need to wear something more appropriate if they are going to be a family oriented restaurant. Would you want to take your family out to a place like this for lunch or dinner? I'm just saying, I choose not to go to places like that, whether I had a child with me or not. I still stand behind what I said, It appears to me that Hooters is more of a gentlemens club than a restaurant. And honestly, I did not know they dressed like that.

[hooterville]

Boo-hoo blondie, stay out if you don't like it. Is your husband gay? What, did you think they were going to dressed like owls? Give me a break.

[hooterville]

and what's up with "Blondie2hot7" nickname, but you can't take the Hooters dress code?

[JewwellsP]

Don't blame the girls for working at Hooter's. They are just trying to make some cash. I went to one in Reno, food was not that great. Women looked good. Didn't matter, that was in 1999, 7 years later, I still have no desire to return.
Heck if I want to see some hot girls & get a great burger, the Shady lady is where I would go.

Listen ladies, if you really think is is ok to wear clothing that shows a little. I agree. Heck I just told a girl here at work when she asked what I thought of her new jeans. My reply-You know where they would look best? On The Floor.
If your going to wear revealing clothes don't get mad when someone looks. Besides would you really wear it if ya really didn't want someone to look.

[Pam]

And you thought they named the restaurant "Steak n Shake" because of the food.
I went to hooters in Alabama and I didn't see anything wrong with the way the girls were dressed. I went in to buy a hat for my husband. The girl that waited on me ran around the counter to get me the hat. She didn't realize the glass door was closed and she smacked into it. She left behind an inprint of her boobs and lips. I laughed so hard I gave her a $5 tip.

[You're a mean drunk R2D2]

if you don't like how the hooters girls look and won't go there because of that, do you not go to Junior high and High School sporting events because of how they are dressed?

(Honestly, seems like hooters waitresses are more covered up than alot of kids nowadays.)

[onetime]

I don't see what the big deal about the place is. The outfits aren't that bad, and for the most part really aren't revealing, unless you are a large busted gal. And about 90% of Hooters girls aren't. The few times I have been to one I noticed how interactive and sociable the wait staff is, rather than thier boyshorts and tanks.

[mike blur]

This is weird. Are waitresses at Steak and Shake scantily clad? I've never been there, and I'd think probably not, given their corporate image. So why are many people on this blog talking about Hooters? It's one big red herring that contributes nothing to this discussion.

In regards to the article, it appeared to me (after reading both pdf's) that the plaintiff did her best to shield herself from the situation and management, from the AM on up, dropped the ball big time. They let a low life scumbucket dope dealer contunie to work after assaulting another employee; most anywhere else, that's grounds for immediate termination and possible assualt charges. To show how idiotic Jean Atis was, however; he pretty much allowed himself to get arrested in that gas station with 5 baggies and a weigh scale on his person. (It's obvoius from that, that the Steak and Shake gig was merely a front for Jean Atis to deal dope and sexually assault female co-workers.)

Any one of you that have daughters, nieces, friends, age 16-23 or so, have to be aware that these young women are at risk anytime the employer fosters a hostile work environment. It's not to be tolerated one bit, and Steak and Shake should be damn lucky they got off as lightly as they did.

[jack]

The restaurant was clearly at fault in this case. Making her clean the floor with a toothbrush was essentially an assualt. The physical assualts were apparently a progression from the innappropriate behavior that was originally tolerated.

[onetime]

In the places defense, didn't it just come out that disciplinary stuff wasn't in dudes file because he was friends with a manager? I thought I read that this morning. If so, it would be hard for someone else to review that if it wasn't there. Also, from the court papers, it does seem that she was trying to handle things to end them. This guy has issues that he brought himself. Yeah lets drive around with a bunch of drugs in the car and harrass a girl we know doesn't want anything to do with us. Not to mention the guy beat up someone his first day???
I think I will teach my daughters that if they are in a similar situation and the guy doesn't get the hint....bite his s#$t off.

[blondie2hot7]

Hooterville: I've had this sign on name for years, and I suppose I should change it to "dorothy2cold1"? LOL anyhow, I was getting off track about the hooters thing, I'll admit, I'm just saying theres a time and place for that kind of dress, and it sure isn't serving me and my family a dinner. I don't know the whole case surrounding the episode in St. Louis, but I do have to agree with Jewwels, if you don't want someone to look, don't wear it. I know these girls are trying to make a living doing what they do, but I just don't think it's appropriate that food service waiters/waitresse's dress in a manner that distracts the customers. If they want to view such things, then let em go to the strip clubs. It's acceptable there. I seen parts of these womens body (not that I was looking, you really couldn't avoid it) that shouldn't of been revealed. I'm going to re-register my name, I was single at the time, and a friend of mine actually put that name on here for me..It was just easy to remember, but from now on, I'll use a different name.. touche'(s)

[dorothy2cold1]

LOL Here it is folks, my new name.. I guess the blondie2hot7 was too much for someone to digest.. (although my husband thinks it's appropriate) oh well, from now on, I'll use this name.. Dorothy (from kansas, cold, well not really cold, but had to change the "hot" part,and 1, cause I'm number 1 in to my family, as they are to me.. Enough about names.. The same people that may criticize someones sign on name, were probaby the same ones that made comments on Freddy Norris' mothers e-mail name (roleout@) anyhow, you can't judge a person by their name.. peace out. People really do call me "blondie" thats a fact, Goldie etc I guess coming from kansas, Dorothy is appropriate? yay or nay?

[Bohica]

I don't go to Hooters because their food sucks. I don't need to go there to look at women... they're not going home with me, so I'm not wasting my time!!

I remember going to that disco club at the MGM Grand in Vegas (Studio 57?). There was this dancer there, and my "then wife" told me to go put a dollar in her belt. I told my "then wife": Hell no, she's not going to bed with me, she's not getting my dollar!!

[dorothy2cold1]

Hooterville: Owls?? Hooter's doesn't have a sign that states how their waitresse's are dressed, nor does Mcdonalds.. But, the parking lot was full, we had never been there, so I thought it probably had to have good food!! The chicken wings were good, the hambugers sucked (so my hubby and kid said) You are correct r2d2 about the way teens dress today,and that my friend is the parents fault, these are supposed adult grown women..(high school and jr high days are over, have some respect for yourselves women) Leave something to the imagination, whats left to see???

[Biggin]

You take someone & pay them $9 an hour to be a "manager" & guess what kind of employee you are going to get. They have very little to loose at $9 an hour so they start to leverage their position for other benefits. I say you pay like Costco at $17 an hour and up for their good employees. You either pay upfront (Costco) or later (Steak & Shake). The negative press is the real cost here.

[Candy]

What exactly does Hooters have to do with this case? I have been to Steak & Shake, and their uniforms aren't even remotely sexually provocative. And if they were, SO WHAT! The idea that "IT WASN'T MY FAULT, HER CLOTHES MADE ME ACT INAPPROPRIATELY" is ludicrous. It's nauseating when people refuse to take responsibility for their own inabilty to behave in a civilized fashion. As far as the management at that Steak & Shake, they were not only inffective, but their behavior bordered on criminal. It's too bad more people don't stand up and contact EEOC. Maybe then more employers would hire management that exhibited responsibility rather than lewdness and apathy.

[John Boy]

I agree Candy. There is a thing called self-discipline. Doesnt look like some folks have any of that. Like my old grandpappy would say..If you cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Paraphrase...If you dont like the place, leave.

[mike blur]

Thanks Candy for clearing things up, and no thanks to dorothytoohot or whatever for her self-serving, meaningless, misleading drivel.

[blondie2hot7]

Ok, I don't like the name dorothy, so I'll find another one. And Candy, you are correct, absolutely! It's the people they put in the manager position that needs to take care of these types of things, and keep an eye on their employess and their actions, as well as do their duties. I may not agree with the "attire" some are allowed to wear, but thats just my opinion, I don't have to go there. But people need to stand up and take responsibilty for their actions. If I would of known all these laws existed back in the day, I would own a few restaurants. I just hit the door when things got out of control, and believe me, it happend all the time. I even had crap in high school happen, and now, kids are suing left and right for whats going on with thier teachers, principals etc. I think that if you are going to put yourself in charge, then you need to take charge, someone seen what was going on, and they shouldn't of waited to turn this person/persons in for what they were doing, it was totally wrong what happend to this young lady, and the monetary award she got was nothing compared to what she went through. Maybe she had to cling to that job as a means of supporting herself, people do things they don't want to so they can survive, but when you've had enough, then hence forth comes lawsuits. I think the guy that either sexually assulted her, or attempted to do so, should go to prision.

[blondie2hot7]

Ok mike, your point is well taken. I was out of line by even bringing that episode up, it was just something that bothered me (letting is go, and I won't return there, my bad) I really wasn't making a point about the case in point. I was just a bit frustrated about the hooters ordeal, and I was venting, sorry.............. I agree with candy's post, and there is NO excuse for a person/employee whover, to have to endure this.. again, sorry for my earlier post..

[The Zipper]

Pretty sad when people say that women are just "asking for it" when they dress provocatively. I like it generally when a woman shows her stuff but, guess what?--I keep my hands and comments to myself. Guess what else? 90% of all men behave like I do. The other 10% are just scumbags who would be harrassing Nuns in full Habit. One of my daughters works in a local restaraunt and her Assistant Manager asked her what her cup size was. Unlike most girls who wouldn't have said a thing, she went home and told her mother who told me. I called up the assistant manager and asked him what protective cup size he wore. Then I told him I was just curious as I was going to be kicking him in the balls if he bothered my daughter again

[The Zipper]

I failed to mention that this particular daughter is only 14

[M.]

I used to find Hooters offensive as well until I met some girls who worked there. They were well educated girls who knew exactly what they were doing. THey just thought it was funny that they got these great tips...they would make great money just because they were cute girls. The one time I went there I had a great conversation with my waitress who was working on her masters in political science and wanted to go on to get her PhD. Not only that, but she was Iranian. Definitely not what you would expect.

[John Boy]

Aint this a real Hoot(er) ???

[BF]

I'll gladly let my co-workers sexually harass me for $180,000.

[blondie2hot7]

In response to hooterville:I Forgot to respond to the question you asked "Is your husband gay?? "....LOL Far from it, he's just got morals.............. yes, a man of today still having morals...

[Pam]

If you don't like Hooters or its girls, the doors swing both ways. In other words don't go there. Would rather eat at a place like hooters than at a restaurant with a bunch of stuffed shirts that worry about what fork they use.

[plattecohighschooler]

Why don't we shoot people that do this crap like they do in other countries? Like no one goes to Siberia twice. In Iran, you can't steal another purse if you don't have another hand. And rapists...

[Tom K]

Unfortunately most competent people try to stay away from food service jobs and that's a place where competence is most needed and should be respected.

[Bill]

It is not worth the 180,000 to be sexually assaulted or harrass when a person is 16 or 17. My 16 year old daughter worked for a local fast food place in North Pole, Alaska. Her general manager grabbed her rearend and her breast and made sexual comments to her. she filed a complaint with the owners and them lost her job because of it. A year later she is still angry and the only justice she wants is for him to die. Do you think 180,000 dollars is worth that feeling. As her father who has to listen to her, I don't. We filed a complaint with EEOC and Human rights and a police report. The business is now bankrupt and my daughter will probably never be compensated for what she went thru. Instead, this preditor is now working at another fast food joint in Fairbanks preying now on someone else daughter. These individuals in KC who harrassed this person could someday be harrassing your daughter. A Dad

[UKan]

I too have seen much worse in food service.

I worked at a Pizza Hut on State Avenue in Kansas City KS back in the early 80's. We were in high school then. I saw the manager spit into the pizzas of rude customers on a regular basis and swirl it around in the cheese before we took it out.

He pissed in a pitcher of Mountain Dew when a guy who quit without notice showed up the next night with friends to buy pizza and sit there and be rude.

Seen much worse.