Former Firebirds employee files legal complaint against restaurant

A former Firebirds Wood Fired Grill employee says she was sexually harassed and wrongfully terminated from the Durham location of the Charlotte-based chain, according to a complaint filed Friday in Durham County Superior Court.

Posted 7:55 p.m. May 24, 2021 — Updated 9:45 p.m. May 24, 2021

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DURHAM, N.C. — A former Firebirds Wood Fired Grill employee says she was sexually harassed and wrongfully terminated from the Durham location of the Charlotte-based chain, according to a complaint filed Friday in Durham County Superior Court.

Brianne Ellis worked as a server from August 2018 through April 2019, according to the lawsuit. During that time Ellis said she experienced unwelcome suggestive comments, sexual advances and other forms of harassment. Ellis alleges that the harassment created an abusive and intimidating work environment.

Ellis claims that she reported harassment from co-workers and customers to managers but no action was taken. Ellis said that she was given more difficult sections and parties during her shifts.

After being terminated, Ellis said she contacted Firebirds' regional office to file a complaint. Ellis said no one followed up with her on her report.

Ellis is seeking $25,000 in damages, in addition to attorney fees.

This isn't the first lawsuit involving Firebirds in the Triangle. Kyrsten Ellis, who is not related to Brianne Ellis, sued the company last year also alleging sexual harassment while she worked at the North Hills location of the restaurant.

Former Raleigh restaurant worker files lawsuit alleging coworkers shared her private 'sexually explicit' video

A Firebirds' spokeswoman told WRAL that the company is not able at this time to comment on pending litigation. The chain, which started in Charlotte, now has locations in 13 states.

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