Lawsuit Claims Melrose Eatery Replaced Female Servers With 'Handsome Men'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A lawsuit filed by a former server at a trendy Melrose Avenue restaurant alleges a new owner sought to replace female servers with "handsome men."

The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against The Larchmont includes allegations of wrongful termination, discrimination based on gender, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

According to the suit, Lauren Costa was hired as a server in 2008 at the eatery located at 5750 Melrose Ave. when it was known as the Larchmont Grill, which was sold in January to a group that changed the name to The Larchmont.

One of the new owners, Robert Kass, who is named in the lawsuit, "is a homosexual and openly discussed his sexual orientation with his staff," according to the suit.

In the lawsuit, Costa alleges Kass would only greet and chat male staffers upon arriving at work and was "condescending and rude" when he did greet Costa.

She was removed altogether from the restaurant's employee schedule and terminated on June 21, according to the suit.

Costa also alleges she is owed back wages for overtime pay and that she was not provided sufficient meal and rest periods.

A representative for The Larchmont did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the suit.

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