Vicky Valenzuela has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging severe workplace misconduct. The complaint was lodged on February 3, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, targeting Brinker Restaurant Corporation, operating as Chili's Bar and Grill, and an individual named David Reyna.
The case unfolds with Vicky Valenzuela accusing Brinker Restaurant Corporation and David Reyna of multiple violations including sexual harassment, sex discrimination, retaliation under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), wrongful termination in violation of public policy, assault, battery, sexual assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent hiring and retention. Valenzuela alleges that during her employment at Chili's Bar and Grill in San Jose, she was subjected to continuous sexual harassment by her manager David Reyna starting from his transfer to the location in 2023. She claims Reyna engaged in inappropriate touching and made explicit requests for sexual favors. Despite reporting these incidents to management, no effective action was taken against Reyna initially.
Valenzuela’s complaint details how after she reported the harassment to a manager named Maryanne Horner, she faced retaliatory actions such as reduced work hours and an unwanted transfer to another location. Although Reyna was eventually terminated from his managerial position following further complaints from other employees as well, he continued to frequent the restaurant as a customer which caused Valenzuela significant distress.
On March 16, 2024, Valenzuela filed a Charge of Discrimination with the Civil Rights Department against Brinker Restaurant Corporation and David Reyna. She asserts that this formal complaint resulted in further retaliation when she took time off due to personal bereavement. The lawsuit seeks general compensatory damages for economic losses like lost wages and medical expenses due to emotional distress caused by the alleged misconduct. Additionally, punitive damages are sought for what is described as egregious behavior by the defendants along with declaratory relief aimed at preventing future occurrences of similar conduct within the company.
Representing Vicky Valenzuela is attorney Mark S. Adams from the Law Offices of Mark S. Adams based in Stockton, California. The case is presided over by Judge Y. Chavez under Case No.: 25CV458107.