SEATTLE, Wash. — A national news story paints an unflattering picture of working conditions at one of our region’s most renowned restaurants.
It comes after The Willows paid $600,000 in March to settle a class action lawsuit over wage theft and other labor issues.
The New York Times says it’s interviewed several dozen former employees of the Lummi Island restaurant and inn who describe a toxic workplace.
Some accuse head chef Blaine Wetzel of physical intimidation and of using racist, sexist and homophobic slurs.
Female workers say sexual harassment by male kitchen workers was largely ignored.
Many also dispute Wetzel’s claim that the restaurant with an international reputation only serves food raised or farmed on or around Lummi Island.
The Willows didn’t return KGMI’s requests for comment but Wetzel told the New York Times that he’s deeply saddened that workers “shared concerns” about the business.
He said he wants workers to feel The Willows was “was the best job they have ever had” but denies “the substance of most allegations” according to the newspaper.