KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Michael Chase, owner of Copper Cellar Corporation and several well-known East Tennessee restaurant brands, is facing a new sexual harassment lawsuit filed in Knox County Chancery Court.
The lawsuit, filed June 22, names both Chase and Copper Cellar Corporation as defendants. A woman who says she worked for Copper Cellar restaurants for more than 30 years alleges Chase subjected her to repeated sexual harassment, inappropriate comments, and workplace misconduct.
According to court filings, the woman claims at least 37 incidents occurred within the last year. The lawsuit alleges Chase made sexual remarks toward her, other employees, and customers, and on multiple occasions requested sexual acts. The complaint further alleges Chase threatened her employment when she did not comply.
Among the incidents detailed in the lawsuit, the woman claims Chase told her to “come sit on daddy’s lap.” The suit also alleges Chase repeatedly commented on her age and appearance and used racial slurs while at company businesses.
The plaintiff states she reported Chase’s behavior to other members of company management multiple times. However, according to the lawsuit, she was told that management could not take action because Chase owns the company.
The complaint alleges Copper Cellar Corporation lacks an effective sexual harassment policy and failed to provide protections for employees. Court documents state that management repeatedly told the plaintiff there was little they could do regarding the alleged conduct.
The lawsuit includes claims of harassment, battery, and violations of the Tennessee Human Rights Act.
The woman is seeking $3 million in punitive damages from Chase and an additional $3 million from Copper Cellar Corporation. She is also requesting $1.5 million in compensatory damages from each defendant, along with attorney’s fees and other legal costs.
Copper Cellar Corporation operates several prominent restaurant brands across East Tennessee, including Calhoun’s, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Corner 16, Cappuccino’s, Chesapeake’s, and Cherokee Grill.
As of publication, Chase had not publicly responded to the allegations. The claims outlined in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.
