Imperial Temporarily Closes Amid Social Media Claims of Toxic Work Culture, Harassment | Eater Detroit

"This downtown Ferndale tavern was at the center of a social-media firestorm after a caller on June 25 reported a possible COVID-19 infection following a visit; management says the report prompted a deep clean (an Eganix invoice for $325 was later dated June 28), a temporary closure while contacting health authorities, and that investigators now suspect the call may have been a prank by a disgruntled former employee whose number allegedly matched the caller’s. The venue’s social accounts were taken down as allegations escalated that the restaurant group fostered a toxic work environment—claims include racial favoritism, unwanted sexual advances by a co-owner, and ignoring employee concerns—which spurred at least five bar staff to resign in protest and led a co-owner, Jeff King, to step down from his role as operations manager. Management says it is evaluating the accusations, exploring outside consultants, and has previously provided sexual-harassment training and a confidential reporting channel overseen by an acting HR representative; police were also involved after an unrelated incident in which a patron allegedly removed her mask and spat on a hostess." - Brenna Houck