Emma Rambo, a former employee of an Illinois restaurant, has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and negligence by her employer. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on November 30, 2025, against Hillzz LLC, doing business as Chipper’s Grill. The lawsuit accuses the restaurant of failing to address repeated instances of sexual harassment perpetrated by a fellow employee.
The case revolves around allegations that during her employment at Chipper’s Grill from March 2023 to May 2024, Emma Rambo was subjected to sexual harassment by Chad Thompson, a 42-year-old male colleague. According to the complaint, Thompson engaged in inappropriate conduct such as making lewd comments and unwanted physical contact with Rambo and other female employees, many of whom were minors. Despite multiple reports to management, including manager Doris Myers and owner Shane Hill, no corrective action was taken against Thompson. Instead, Rambo claims she was forced to continue working alongside him or face unemployment.
Rambo’s legal action cites violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). She asserts that Hillzz LLC failed to implement adequate measures for preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. The complaint highlights several lapses including lack of a reporting procedure for harassment complaints, absence of training programs on sexual harassment prevention, and failure to display required notices about employees’ rights under state law.
In seeking justice through this lawsuit, Rambo requests various forms of relief from the court. She is asking for back pay due to lost wages resulting from her resignation under duress. Additionally, she seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress suffered due to the hostile work environment fostered by Hillzz LLC’s negligence. Punitive damages are also being pursued as a means to hold the defendant accountable for its alleged misconduct. Furthermore, Rambo demands injunctive relief compelling Hillzz LLC to establish proper policies and training programs aimed at preventing future incidents of sexual harassment within its establishment.
Representing Emma Rambo in this case is attorney Julie Herrera from the Law Office of Julie O. Herrera based in Chicago. The presiding judge over this matter has not been specified in the document provided but will be overseeing Case No. 25-cv-14533 as it progresses through court proceedings.
Source: 125cv14533_Emma_Rambo_v_Hillzz_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
