Former Host Alleges Wrongful Termination After Reporting Sexual Harassment at Barney’s Beanery Pasadena

A motions hearing is scheduled for Friday, May 9, in Los Angeles Superior Court in the case of Cody Rich, a former host at Barney’s Beanery Pasadena, who alleges he was wrongfully terminated in June 2022 after reporting sexual harassment by a female manager.

In a lawsuit, Rich, who began working as an evening shift host in 2021 and sometimes took security shifts due to his wrestling background, claims that manager Kiana Fanning began making unwanted sexual advances toward him, including leaning in close, inappropriate physical contact, and isolating him in private areas under the pretense of work.

According to the lawsuit, Fanning also harassed another employee while drinking at the bar on her day off and had to be sent home via a ride-hailing service after passing out at a table.

Rich allegedly reported Fanning’s behavior to another manager, who told him that Fanning had also propositioned him and advised Rich to “just go with it” if he wanted to keep his job.

After Rich’s complaint, his hours were reportedly reduced during what management described as an internal investigation, which was later deemed “inconclusive” due to conflicting employee accounts, according to the lawsuit.

Rich’s lawsuit, filed July 17, 2023, names Barney’s Beanery Pasadena, Barney’s Pasadena Ltd., Barney’s Worldwide Inc., and several managers as defendants.

The suit alleges wrongful termination, disability discrimination, negligent retention and supervision, and violations of state wage and hour laws, including failure to pay for missed meal and rest breaks, minimum wage, and overtime.

Rich seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

The restaurant has not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit.