Former Cracker Barrel server Roberta Mendez has filed a federal lawsuit against the restaurant chain, alleging years of racial harassment, physical abuse, and wrongful termination at a Tennessee location. The suit, filed on August 21, 2025, accuses Cracker Barrel of fostering a hostile work environment where Mendez, a Black woman, was repeatedly subjected to racist slurs—including being called a “burnt biscuit” by coworkers.
🗣️ Allegations of Racist Abuse
Mendez worked at the Nashville-area Cracker Barrel for nearly a decade, consistently receiving positive performance reviews. Despite her record, she claims she was:
• Referred to as “nappy-headed [N-word],” “monkey,” and “burnt biscuit” by white coworkers
• Physically pushed and hit on multiple occasions
• Segregated from white employees by management

In one particularly disturbing incident, a shift leader allegedly told her outright: “I don’t like Black people”.
🛑 Management’s Response
According to the lawsuit, Mendez repeatedly reported the abuse to supervisors and human resources. Instead of taking corrective action, Cracker Barrel allegedly:
• Issued write-ups against Mendez after she reported misconduct
• Ignored her formal grievance submitted to corporate in August 2024
• Fired her the following month for “breaking company policy,” without explanation
Mendez claims none of her white coworkers faced disciplinary action for their behavior.
📜 Legal Grounds
The lawsuit cites violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Mendez’s legal team argues that Cracker Barrel’s actions were “intentional, willful, and taken in reckless disregard” of her rights.
🏛️ Cracker Barrel’s History of Controversy
This isn’t the first time Cracker Barrel has faced allegations of racial discrimination. The company has previously settled lawsuits involving segregation, biased hiring practices, and unequal treatment of Black employees and customers. The latest case comes amid broader scrutiny of workplace equity and accountability in the hospitality industry.
As the lawsuit moves forward, Roberta Mendez’s story is sparking renewed conversations about race, labor rights, and corporate responsibility. Whether Cracker Barrel will face legal consequences remains to be seen—but the scars left by her experience are already etched into the public record.