Sexual Harassment Suit Against Popular Pasadena Eatery Heads to Court

A case management conference is set for Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court in a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, disability discrimination and wrongful termination at a well-known Pasadena restaurant.

Former host Cody Rich claims Barney’s Beanery Pasadena, Barney’s Pasadena Ltd., and Barney’s Worldwide Inc. fired him in June 2022 after he reported alleged sexual harassment by a manager.

Rich, who reportedly started working at the restaurant in 2021 and handled both hosting and security duties, alleges the manager made unwanted sexual advances, including inappropriate physical contact and isolating him in private areas under work-related pretenses. The lawsuit states Rich initially had a good working relationship with the manager before the alleged harassment began.

According to court documents in Cody Rich v. Barney’s Beanery Pasadena, et al., the manager allegedly harassed Rich while drinking at the bar on a day off, harassed another employee, and had to be sent home via a ride-hailing service after passing out at a table.

When Rich reported the behavior, another a company representative allegedly acknowledged the manager’s drinking issues, saying she was “a little drunk” or had vertigo, but advised Rich to “just go with it” if he wanted to continue working at the restaurant.

The lawsuit, filed July 17, 2023, claims Rich’s hours were cut during an internal investigation that proved inconclusive due to conflicting accounts. Management later accused him of tardiness and being “drunk on the job” — allegations Rich says were false and stemmed from a diabetes-related medical emergency. Rich had disclosed his diabetic condition when hired, and a Regional Manager had assured him it wouldn’t be an issue.

The case also alleges negligent retention, supervision and wage violations, including failure to pay for missed meals, rest breaks and overtime. Rich seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

The case management conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in Department 45 at the County Courthouse, 111 N. Hill St. in Los Angeles.