Racial and Discrimination Complaints Filed Against Another Chick‑fil‑A Franchise

A Chick‑fil‑A franchise in suburban Philadelphia is facing a federal lawsuit that claims ongoing racial discrimination and abuse by the franchise owner. This case represents one of the most serious accusations of workplace racism against the well-known fast-food brand to surface in 2026.

On February 2, Tiffany Lynch, a 38-year-old former executive director of operations at the Chick‑fil‑A in Wayne Square, Pennsylvania, filed a complaint in U.S. District Court against the franchisee and its owner, Joshua Grimm.

Lynch, who is Black and gay, claims that Grimm subjected her and others to continuous bigotry. This includes repeatedly using the “N-word” and making derogatory comments about Black customers and potential Black employees.

Court documents indicate that Grimm allegedly shared stories about his “all-white upbringing.” He used racist language in Lynch’s presence. He suggested that Black customers “require extra cleanup” or “smell,” which the complaint describes as “clear racism.”

The suit also mentions negative comments about hiring Black staff, questioning their suitability with terms like “ghetto Black” as opposed to a supposedly more acceptable Black employee. Lynch’s complaint also states that she experienced homophobic remarks from Grimm.

Lynch claims she reported these incidents to human resources, including Grimm’s sister, but her concerns were ignored. Shortly after she filed complaints with Chick‑fil‑A corporate, Grimm supposedly removed her from the work schedule and fired her, falsely claiming “subpar performance.”

The lawsuit seeks back pay, front pay, bonuses, punitive damages, and a court order that would require the franchise to adopt stronger anti-discrimination policies. Legal experts say the case falls under federal civil rights and employment discrimination laws.

This lawsuit comes on the heels of other notable discrimination claims involving Chick‑fil‑A franchises, including a separate 2025 complaint from a former employee in Idaho who alleged racist harassment and retaliation.

Chick‑fil‑A Inc. usually emphasizes that franchisees operate independently and are not directly involved in their internal employment issues.