Pepke V. Manor House Kitchens, Inc.

Case Background

William Pepke (the Plaintiff) filed this age discrimination lawsuit against Manor House Kitchens, Inc. (the Defendant), challenging his termination. He sought all available relief under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh). Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan presided over this employment discrimination case. [Case number: 2:23cv2089]

Cause

William Pepke (the Plaintiff) resided in Donora, Pennsylvania, in Washington County. Manor House Kitchens, Inc. (the Defendant) was a corporation with a registered office at 435 Hunter Road Extension, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Defendant owned and operated a business offering services such as kitchen remodeling, including cabinets, appliances, and countertops, as well as bathroom remodeling, home bars, entertainment centers, fireplaces, and commercial casework. Defendant employed Plaintiff, aged 60, as a Lead Granite Installer and Supervisor for over twenty years until terminating him on August 7, 2023. He had maintained an excellent performance record during his employment. On August 7, 2023, the Defendant's President, Jeffrey Backus, held an in-person meeting with the Plaintiff. During the meeting, Mr. Backus informed the Plaintiff that his employment was terminated due to his age. Specifically, Mr. Backus told the Plaintiff, “You are 60 years old,” and that he intended to “keep the younger guys working.” He also stated, “You’re no longer on the schedule.”

Damages