Black Chick-fil-A Manager Sues Over Racial Discrimination, Slurs, and Firing

Tiffany Lynch claims the franchise owner subjected her to constant racist and homophobic comments and retaliated against her for complaining.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A Black woman who worked as an operations manager at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in suburban Philadelphia is suing the fast-food chicken franchise and its owner, who she says subjected her to nonstop racial and gay slurs for nearly two years, and also denigrated Black customers and co-workers. When she objected to the discrimination, Lynch says, she was fired in retaliation.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of racial discrimination and hostile work environments that some Black employees continue to face, even at major corporate franchises. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of corporate HR processes in addressing employee discrimination complaints.

The details

In her federal civil rights lawsuit, Tiffany Lynch claims that Joshua Grimm, the owner/operator and president of the Chick-fil-A franchise in Wayne, Pennsylvania, regularly used racial slurs, made discriminatory jokes and comments about Black customers and employees, and treated Black applicants and staff differently than white counterparts. When Lynch complained about the discrimination, she says Grimm retaliated by firing her under a pretext of "subpar performance."

  • Tiffany Lynch was hired as executive director of operations in December 2023.
  • Over the last several months of her employment, Lynch says she pushed back and complained to Grimm about his discriminatory and offensive behavior.
  • In November 2025, while on vacation, Lynch's email access was cut off. When she returned, Grimm fired her, citing a scheduling issue.
  • Two weeks later, Grimm sent Lynch a letter confirming her termination for "subpar performance."

The players

Tiffany Lynch

A 38-year-old Black woman who worked as an operations manager at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in suburban Philadelphia.

Joshua Grimm

The white owner/operator and president of the Chick-fil-A franchise in Wayne, Pennsylvania, who Lynch says subjected her to racial slurs and discrimination.

Nasir Stanley

A well-spoken and professional Black employee at the Wayne Square Chick-fil-A restaurant, whom Grimm referenced in a discriminatory way.

Alvin Thompson

A Chick-fil-A corporate manager who Lynch reached out to about the discrimination, but who said he could not provide any guidance.

JLL Hospitality, LLC

The company that owns the Chick-fil-A franchise in Wayne, Pennsylvania, which is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We don't take food stamp,”

— Joshua Grimm, Owner/Operator and President, Chick-fil-A Wayne Square (Atlanta Black Star)

“I am unable to provide any guidance,”

— Alvin Thompson, Chick-fil-A Corporate Manager (Atlanta Black Star)

What’s next

Grimm and Chick-fil-A Wayne Square have 21 days after being served to file a response to the complaint.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Black employees face in confronting racial discrimination and hostile work environments, even at major corporate franchises. It underscores the need for more effective corporate accountability and HR processes to address employee discrimination complaints.