Virginia Food Hall Owner Allegedly Mocked Black Customers and Staff — Now He’s Paying $54,000 After EEOC Discrimination Lawsuit Settlement
A now-closed food hall in Woodbridge, Virginia, just agreed to pay $54,000 to settle a federal racial harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The case centered on the owner’s repeated derogatory comments toward Black customers and employees, including the Black general manager who was directly targeted.
Epiq Food Hall Woodbridge, LLC, operated the venue before shutting down. According to the EEOC’s suit, owner Michael Kim frequently referred to Black patrons and staff as “ignorant,” “ghetto,” and “riff-raff.” He allegedly told the Black general manager he “look[ed] like [he] spoke thug language” and used the N-word in reference to him.
The harassment created a hostile work environment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans race-based discrimination. The settlement includes the $54,000 payment to the former general manager plus other relief measures. Since Epiq no longer operates or has employees, the decree wraps up the matter without ongoing mandates.
Here’s the kicker: the EEOC stepped in after investigating claims that the owner’s conduct violated federal law. The agency filed the suit to hold the company accountable for what it called a pattern of racial slurs and demeaning remarks aimed at Black individuals.
A senior EEOC official familiar with workplace discrimination cases told us: “This settlement sends a clear message—racial harassment in the workplace has real consequences. Owners can’t dismiss derogatory language as harmless; it poisons the environment for employees and customers alike.”
The food hall at 14067 Noblewood Plaza drew attention when the lawsuit went public in 2024. By the time of settlement (announced March 16, 2026), the business had already closed, limiting broader fallout but underscoring how quickly such cases can escalate.
What this means for similar businesses: EEOC enforcement remains active in Virginia, with Philadelphia District Office attorneys handling cases in the Washington Field Office jurisdiction. Settlements like this often deter future misconduct by hitting wallets and reputations.
The case differs from other recent Virginia incidents—like the $5 million lawsuit against Cork & Bull Chophouse in Chesapeake, where nine Black women alleged racial stereotyping and denial of service after an unrelated fight. Epiq’s matter focused on employment harassment rather than customer denial.
Final Thought What started as alleged mocking of Black customers and staff ended with a $54,000 payout and a closed business. The Epiq settlement reminds owners that words can lead to costly federal action. In 2026, workplace equity isn’t optional—it’s enforced.
Have you encountered or heard about similar issues in local businesses? What’s your take on how these cases should be handled? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and share if workplace discrimination stories hit close to home!