Il Fornaio in Carmel named in sexual harassment lawsuit settled for $3 million.

From a server allegedly asking a 17-year-old hostess to have a threesome or management allegedly dismissing sexual harassment concerns, the Carmel location of Il Fornaio is the site of several accusations made by the federal government in a sexual harassment lawsuit recently settled for $3 million. 

Il Fornaio, an upscale Italian restaurant chain, settled with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Oct. 6 on claims that since 2015, management and employees across the chain ignored and perpetuated sexual harassment toward female employees, including teenagers, leading to their resignations. 

The company has denied all allegations against them, according to the settlement, including allegations originating from the Carmel location. In court documents, it said it took reasonable steps to prevent harassment and corrective action, and denies a larger pattern of discrimination or harassment. 

At the Carmel location, the EEOC alleged misconduct across all levels of the restaurant in 2022: a kitchen worker allegedly sent sexual messages to the 17-year-old female hostess, and a manager, who still works there, allegedly dismissed her complaints. 

The EEOC also alleged that two male servers asked a hostess if they could see her vagina in 2018. She then quit after she complained to management about the sexual harassment and they allegedly responded, “This could be your last day.” 

At least one of the managers accused of dismissing sexual harassment reports still works at the Carmel location, which was confirmed when he picked up a phone call from the Weekly. He declined to comment and directed questions to the corporate office. 

According to director of marketing and creative services Matt Foley, the company entered the settlement to avoid the expenses of continued litigation, and has increased efforts to put a halt to harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Foley declined to share details on current employees at the Carmel location.

According to its website, Il Fornaio started as a baking school in Barlassina, Italy in 1972. From there, Il Fornaio opened bakeries in California, with its first restaurant opening in Corte Madera in 1987. 

“Sexual harassment continues to be a widespread issue in the restaurant industry, and during this case, we learned of at least 100 women negatively affected by Il Fornaio’s work environment,” said Beatriz B. Andre, acting regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District in a statement.