At least three women working at a Dad's Bar-B-Que restaurant in Anniston, Alabama, say they were subjected to severe and pervasive sexual harassment. Now the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing the restaurant's owners.

The women claim that since 2008, they were sexually harassed by the restaurant's assistant manager, as well as a cook who worked there.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court and only names one of the women, the harassment included requests for sex, vulgar and sexual talk, and unwanted sexual touching on a regular basis. The female employees apparently told the assistant manager and the cook that their behavior was unwelcome and complained to management as well. However, the restaurant apparently took no action on behalf of the women.

One of the women also says that the cook threatened her by saying he would "bust her face" if she filed a complaint. He also allegedly threatened to hurt her husband and family.

There has apparently been no word from the owner of the restaurant regarding the lawsuit. A spokesperson says the owner's company has no comment on the matter. It's not clear whether the assistant manager and the cook are still employed at the restaurant.

According to the Anniston Star, the EEOC is seeking monetary damages on behalf of the women, as well as an order that the restaurant implement anti-harassment practices and policies. The lawsuit was filed after the parties were unable to reach a pre-litigation settlement.

Source: Anniston Star, "Sexual harassment case filed against Dad's Bar-B-Que," Laura Camper, Dec. 6, 2011