Outback Steakhouse will pay $19 million to settle a national sex discrimination lawsuit against corporate-owned restaurants. The bosses apparently believed in selling a little sizzle with the steaks.

According to the suit, filed in September 2006, managers allegedly made comments that disparaged women workers.

Tom Flanagan, a joint venture partner, allegedly said female managers had “let him down” and “lost focus” when they had children. He also allegedly said women managers had trouble “saying no” and that he wanted “cute girls” to work in the front as servers.

Ben Martinez, a managing partner, allegedly told another female employee she should be a teacher instead of working in the restaurant business.

The settlement includes a change in hiring and promotion practices at the company’s almost 1,000 restaurants.

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Last Hurrahs. Next article Over to you