Chick-fil-A Franchise Sued by EEOC Over Alleged Religious Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Hatch Trick, a Chick-fil-A franchise operator in the Austin, Texas area, alleging religious discrimination. The complaint centers on the alleged wrongful termination of manager Laurel Torode, a member of the United Church of God, who observes the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. Torode reportedly disclosed her religious scheduling needs during her interview in August 2023, which were initially accommodated. However, the franchise later demanded she work Saturdays, offering a demotion to a lower-paying delivery driver role when she refused. After declining the demotion, Torode was fired. The case is significant as it tests the stricter legal standard for religious accommodations established by the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Groff v. DeJoy, which requires employers to demonstrate substantial increased costs rather than minimal burdens to deny such requests. This lawsuit contrasts with Chick-fil-A’s corporate identity, which famously closes on Sundays to allow employees time for worship and rest, highlighting a conflict between corporate branding and franchisee employment practices regarding religious observance.