A group of catering service professionals has filed a class-action lawsuit against a prominent culinary group, alleging systemic discrimination based on race, gender, and age. The complaint was lodged by Virginia Alleyne and others in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on December 3, 2025, targeting Constellation Culinary Group and its associated entities.
The plaintiffs—Virginia Alleyne, Janine Herman, Ramona Caceres, Yonas Berhe, Astrid Cousins, and Samara Greco—are suing their former employer Constellation Culinary Group along with Galaxy Restaurants Catering Group LP, Starr Events, Elior North America, and related entities. They claim violations of several laws including the New York State Labor Law § 194 (NY Equal Pay Act), New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), and the federal Equal Pay Act of 1963. According to the complaint, these violations are rooted in discriminatory practices that favored younger white male employees over minority, female, and older workers.
The plaintiffs allege that during their employment at Constellation’s various events across New York City—including prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the New York Botanical Garden—they were subjected to lower pay rates compared to their younger white counterparts. For instance, Hispanic workers reportedly earned significantly less per hour than non-minority employees. The complaint also highlights instances where minority workers were given fewer promotions or desirable shifts and were often required to travel longer distances for work assignments.
One plaintiff detailed how she was hired at $25 per hour despite having over 30 years of experience in hospitality but received no significant raises or promotions during her tenure. In contrast, two younger white colleagues with less experience were promoted more frequently and paid higher wages. Other plaintiffs shared similar experiences of being overlooked for advancement opportunities despite positive performance reviews.
The lawsuit further accuses Constellation of fostering a corporate culture that perpetuates bias against minority groups through company-wide policies that disadvantage them economically. Plaintiffs seek remedies including injunctive relief to halt discriminatory practices, back pay with interest for lost wages due to discrimination, compensatory damages for emotional distress suffered as a result of these practices as well as punitive damages aimed at deterring future misconduct by Constellation.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Michael A. Tompkins Esq., Jeffrey K. Brown Esq., and Andrew Costello Esq., from Leeds Brown Law P.C., based in Carle Place, New York. The case is presided over by judges from the Southern District Court under Case ID: 1:25-cv-10032.
Source: 125cv10032_Virginia_Alleyne_v_Constelation_Culinary_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
