CHARLESTON – A former Outback Steakhouse manager claims she was a victim of gender discrimination and retaliation by the company.
Amanda Metzger filed her lawsuit in federal court against Bloomin' Brands Inc., the parent company of Outback Steakhouse.
Metzger, who has more than 30 years of restaurant experience and 20 years in management positions, was hired by Bloomin' Brands in May 2022 as a service manager, according to her complaint. Despite her satisfactory performance, she claims she faced increasingly hostile treatment from several co-workers.
Despite multiple reports to the management about the hostile work environment, Metzger says Bloomin' Brands failed to take appropriate action. In fact, she claims her reports were not kept confidential and led to an escalation of hostility from her colleagues.
Metzger says she was subjected to an inappropriate and hostile work environment and was fired January 5, 2024, for reporting these issues. She seeks relief under the West Virginia Human Rights Act and its anti-retaliation provision.
Since her termination, Metzger says she has been unable to locate suitable, gainful employment.
She seeks compensatory damages, general damages, punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interests, court costs, attorney fees and other relief.
Metzger is being represented by Hoyt Glazer of Glazer Saad Anderson in Huntington.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia case number 2:24-cv-0037
