A former employee is taking legal action against a well-known Michigan bar and restaurant, alleging severe workplace misconduct. Connie Carroll filed a complaint on November 14, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan against Zimmy Inc., doing business as Zimmy’s Tavern. The lawsuit accuses the establishment of multiple violations including sex and gender harassment, disability discrimination, and retaliation following her attempts to seek medical care for a workplace injury.
Connie Carroll’s ordeal began during her tenure at Zimmy’s Tavern, where she worked from 2010 until her termination on July 1, 2025. She alleges that male coworkers subjected her to relentless harassment based on her sex and gender. This included derogatory slurs and threats of physical harm. Despite reporting these incidents to the owner of Zimmy’s Tavern and requesting intervention, Carroll claims that no action was taken to halt the harassment. The situation escalated to such an extent that it led to Carroll developing depression and anxiety—a disability for which she sought treatment.
In a phone call on July 1, 2025, Carroll was informed by the owner that she was being let go because she was attending therapy due to job-related stress. This admission forms part of the basis for Carroll’s claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. She argues that her termination was not only discriminatory but also retaliatory since it followed her protected activities—reporting harassment and seeking medical treatment.
Carroll’s lawsuit details multiple counts against Zimmy Inc., including discrimination and retaliation under both federal and state laws concerning civil rights and disabilities. Specifically, she cites violations of Title VII related to sex-based discrimination and hostile work environment claims. Furthermore, she asserts breaches under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for discrimination based on her mental health condition which developed due to workplace stressors.
The plaintiff seeks comprehensive relief from the court: back wages, front pay, compensatory damages including emotional distress compensation, attorney fees, litigation costs, as well as any additional legal or equitable remedies deemed appropriate by the court. Through this legal battle, Carroll aims not only for personal redress but also to highlight systemic issues within workplace environments regarding gender bias and inadequate responses to employee grievances.
Representing Connie Carroll is attorney Mark S. Wilkinson from Paladin Employment Law PLLC based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The case has been filed under Case ID 1:25-cv-01460 in front of judges presiding over matters in the Western District of Michigan’s Southern Division.
Source: 125cv01460_Conniee_Carroll_v_ZimmyComplaint_Southern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
