Thomas Keller Restaurant Group to pay $2M to settle sexual harassment case
Filed in 2018, the lawsuit alleges that both female and male workers were subjected to unwanted advances, offensive comments, and retaliation at Bouchon in Las Vegas.
July 17, 2026
The restaurant group of famed chef Thomas Keller has agreed to pay $2 million to settle a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit tied to Bouchon in Las Vegas.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the settlement Wednesday, saying KVP LP, doing business as Bouchon, and KRM Inc., doing business as Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, will pay $2 million and provide other relief in the case, which was filed in 2018.
The lawsuit, which was filed by the EEOC in U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, alleged that male supervisors and coworkers at Bouchon subjected both female and male employees to sexual harassment, including unwanted and repeated sexual advances, sexual comments, sexually offensive conduct, and unwelcome physical contact.
The suit also charges that Bouchon and the parent company failed to take appropriate action to prevent the harassment, despite receiving complaints. Some employees said they were subjected to retaliation for complaining, the lawsuit claimed.
“Sexual harassment is illegal and continues to be a problem in the restaurant industry,” said Beatriz Andre, acting regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles district, which includes Las Vegas. “As it did in this action, the EEOC will continue to enforce federal law.”
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
About the Author
Lisa Jennings
Executive Editor, Restaurant Business
Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts. Her experience includes other industry publications as well as the daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., where she was Food Editor. Her work has been cited in the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, FoodBeast, The Huffington Post, Time.com and more.
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