Specialty Restaurants settles harassment suit for $625KSpecialty Restaurants settles harassment suit for $625K

ANAHEIM Calif. Multiconcept operator Specialty Restaurants Corp. has agreed to pay $625,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by an employee of Monterey Hill Steakhouse.

The operator of about 23, mostly pilot-themed restaurants and special event venues also agreed to provide training on avoiding sexual harassment, according to officials with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The settlement addresses charges filed in 2006 by an employee who alleged that the company allowed harassment that included inappropriate touching and indecent and offensive comments. The action also charged that workers who complained about harassment were punished. Investigators reportedly found similar complaints at restaurants the company operates in Texas and New Jersey.