A former server at Chicago's Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House claims he was unjustly fired after documenting what he perceived as unsanitary kitchen conditions. Matthew Cabrales alleges that a drain backup on June 4th resulted in sewage entering the kitchen, yet staff were allegedly told to continue serving patrons. Cabrales recorded the incident and claims he was subsequently dismissed for using his phone during his shift.
Cabrales, represented by attorney David Fish, filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, seeking compensation for lost wages. He described a strong sewage odor emanating from the kitchen area and expressed concern for the health of customers, particularly the elderly and children, due to potential contamination.
However, Gibson's Restaurant Group, the restaurant's owner, contends that the incident was swiftly addressed and posed no health risks. A spokeswoman stated that the backup caused some puddling under kitchen mats and that dishes were temporarily washed at a different station. She emphasized that the restaurant prioritizes safety and would have closed if any genuine danger existed. The spokeswoman further highlighted the establishment's stringent sanitation practices, including regular drain maintenance and voluntary third-party hygiene inspections.
The situation remains disputed, with Cabrales asserting wrongful termination and the restaurant maintaining that it acted responsibly and upheld safety standards.
