A civil lawsuit alleges that an employee at a prominent Greek restaurant chain faced persistent sexual harassment from her manager and was wrongfully terminated after reporting the conduct to human resources. The complaint was filed by Miranda Coughlan in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 3, 2026, naming Sixty Hospitality, LLC doing business as Avra Madison as the defendant.
According to court documents, Miranda Coughlan worked as a bartender at Avra Madison from October 25, 2022 until April 30, 2024. The filing states that during her employment she was subjected to repeated harassment by her manager, identified as Carl Del Ponte. The complaint outlines several instances of inappropriate behavior including unsolicited compliments about her appearance, personal questions regarding her private life, unwanted physical contact such as standing close or pulling her by the hand or arm, and an incident on December 31, 2023 in which Del Ponte allegedly slid his hand up Ms. Coughlan’s leg during a work event.
The lawsuit asserts that Ms. Coughlan reported these incidents to the company’s Human Resources department and requested preservation of surveillance footage from the night of the alleged assault. Instead of addressing her complaint through investigation or corrective action, the complaint claims that Sixty Hospitality retaliated against Ms. Coughlan by fabricating accusations of misconduct and enforcing disciplinary actions culminating in her termination for alleged insubordination.
The legal filing further describes how after Ms. Coughlan reported Del Ponte’s conduct to Human Resources—despite initial reluctance—she became subject to increased scrutiny from management. It is alleged that General Manager Stelios Stappas issued a final warning for what Ms. Coughlan contends was common practice among employees but singled her out unfairly following her report.
Ms. Coughlan alleges violations under several statutes: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (sex discrimination and anti-retaliation provisions), New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), and related aiding and abetting provisions under state law. She claims that these laws were violated when Sixty Hospitality failed to prevent or remedy a hostile work environment created by persistent sexual harassment and when it retaliated against her for opposing discriminatory practices.
The complaint details that Ms. Coughlan continues to suffer severe psychological trauma and emotional distress requiring ongoing mental health counseling as a result of both the alleged harassment and subsequent retaliation leading to loss of employment.
As part of her prayer for relief, Ms. Coughlan seeks preliminary and permanent injunctions preventing further unlawful practices by Sixty Hospitality; declaratory judgments stating that the company’s actions were unlawful; orders restraining any future retaliation; monetary damages including back pay, front pay, lost compensation and benefits; compensatory damages for emotional distress; punitive damages where allowed; attorneys’ fees; expert witness fees; costs; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; and any other relief deemed proper by the court.
The case is being handled by Joseph & Norinsberg, LLC with attorney Diego O. Barros representing Miranda Coughlan. The case number is 1:26-cv-01732.
Source: 126cv01732_Miranda_Coughlan_v_Sixty_Hospotality_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
