Black ex-worker files 2nd Panera racial bias suit



PITTSBURGH - A black man who quit working at a suburban Pittsburgh Panera Bread restaurant last year has sued the franchisee, saying the company doesn't want blacks in positions where they interact with the public.

Warren, Ohio-based Covelli Enterprises says in a statement that the 21-year-old man who filed the federal lawsuit is a disgruntled employee who walked off the job last year for violating company policies.

The lawsuit filed by Guy Vines echoes claims in a November lawsuit by a white manager who claims he was fired from the restaurant for objecting to Vines' treatment.

Covelli says it investigated the former manager's claims and called them ``completely unfounded.''

The attorney for both plaintiffs says Covelli has a policy of discriminating against people who are ``black, fat or ugly.'' APAssociated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.

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