Texas Chick-fil-A franchisee faces federal lawsuit over religious accommodation. The EEOC alleges that Hatch Trick, Inc., which operates multiple Austin-area locations, discriminated against employee Laurel Torode by refusing to accommodate her Sabbath observance. Torode, a United Church of God member, disclosed during her interview that her faith prohibits working from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. The company initially accommodated this request while she worked as a manager. However, in February 2024, the franchisee demanded she work Saturdays or accept a lower-paying delivery driver position with reduced hours and benefits. When Torode declined, she was terminated. The EEOC claims this violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which requires employers to reasonably accommodate religious beliefs unless undue hardship exists.
