‘I Am Your Master’: Black Employees File Federal Lawsuit Against IHOP over Alleged Racist Abuse and Slavery References

FLORIDA — A group of long-serving Black restaurant workers have launched a federal lawsuit against American breakfast chain IHOP, alleging that a former shift manager subjected them to a relentless campaign of racial abuse, including claims that she called herself their "master" and threatened them with "whips".

The civil rights lawsuit, filed by servers Margaret Bennett (45), Stephanie Davis (51), Carline Hunter (49), and cook Jeffrey Wright (51), names IHOP Restaurants LLC, franchisee Sunshine Restaurant Merger Sub LLC, and former shift supervisor Brenda Bertetchuk as co-defendants.

Originally brought before the Broward County Circuit Court in late June, the action was officially transferred to the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 26th August under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act.

Pattern of Slavery Jokes and Physical Intimidation

According to court filings reviewed by news outlets, the four plaintiffs, who each worked at IHOP locations in Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale for a decade or more, allege that Bertetchuk systematically weaponised racial slurs and slavery tropes in the workplace.

The legal complaint details multiple incidents across 2023 and 2024, alleging Bertetchuk wore a hat depicting a monkey in the presence of Black employees and frequently declared, "If it's not white, then it's not right".

On Juneteenth—the American federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, Bertetchuk allegedly taunted Black staff by asking: "Why are you all at work today if it's the day my people let your people free?" On another occasion, she reportedly told a Black employee: "My people were still selling you guys, so shut up and do your job".

The lawsuit further claims Bertetchuk regularly referred to herself as "the master" who possessed "whips", often accompanying the statements by imitating the sound of a whip cracking.

"Bertetchuk created an atmosphere of intimidation, ridicule, and humiliation," the legal complaint states. "Her unlawful conduct caused plaintiffs to suffer lost wages, emotional distress, humiliation, embarrassment, mental anguish, and loss of dignity."

Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Retaliation

In addition to racial slurs, cook Jeffrey Wright alleges he was subjected to persistent, unwanted sexual harassment. The lawsuit asserts that Bertetchuk made explicit comments regarding his body and touched him inappropriately while leaning into derogatory stereotypes about Black men.

Physical aggression was also highlighted in the suit, including allegations that the supervisor threw a pancake at Davis and tossed crockery aggressively toward Black servers.

When the workers repeatedly reported the misconduct to store supervisors and IHOP’s corporate human resources helpline, management allegedly responded with punitive measures.

The complaint asserts that management retaliated by removing service carts to force Black staff to carry heavy stacks of plates by hand, intentionally turning off kitchen air conditioning during humid weather, drastically cutting working hours, and ultimately terminating Bennett and Wright.

Legal Profile — Bennett et al v. IHOP Restaurants LLC

Defendants Await Response

When contacted by reporters, Bertetchuk confirmed she left IHOP approximately three years ago and recalled working with the plaintiffs, but declined to comment further on the active litigation.

Neither corporate representatives for IHOP nor franchisee Sunshine Restaurant Merger Sub LLC have filed a formal substantive response to the federal court docket.

The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount in compensatory and punitive damages, alongside back pay and legal expenses, with a jury trial requested.