This Asian restaurant in Parkersburg is named in a discrimination lawsuit in Wood Circuit Court. Andrew Marasco alleges Hibachi Grill Suprme Buffet, and its co-owner, Kevin Huang, initially offered him a job as a waiter last year, but later informed him they were only hiring Chinese women. (Photo by Lawrence Smith)

PARKERSBURG - A Wood County man has is alleging he was denied employment at an Asian restaurant because of his race and gender.

Andrew Marasco filed a discrimination suit against Asian Cuisine Inc. in Wood Circuit Court on July 27. In his complaint, Marasco, 23, of Parkersburg, alleges Asian Cuisine, which operates as Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet, denied him employment last year when they, after initially offering him a job as a waiter, later told him they were only hiring Chinese women.

According to his suit, Marasco on May 1, 2010, learned Hibachi Grill was hiring through a "Help Wanted" sign posted on the restaurant it was preparing to open in the Lakewood Plaza on Grand Central Ave. In submitting an application, Marasco expressed an interest in any vacant position including waiter.

Two days later, Marasco says he received a telephone call from Kevin Huang, a Hurricane resident, and co-owner of the restaurant. Huang invited him for an interview on May 5.

Marasco kept the appointment, and was interviewed by Huang. Though Huang made no initial offer of employment, he later called Marasco leaving him a voice message telling him to report for training two days later.

According to his suit, Marasco immediately resigned his position at the Knights Inn in Parkersburg in anticipation of working at Hibachi Grill. However, when he reported for training as instructed on May 7, Huang told him he had not been hired, and that Hibachi Grill was "only hiring 'Chinese waitresses' at that time."

In his suit, Marasco alleges Hibachi Grill, and Huang committed race and sex discrimination under the state Human Rights Act in failing to hire him as a waiter, or any other position in which he was qualified.

As a result of being denied employment, Marasco maintains he's incurred increased expenses, decreased value of property, physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering, annoyance and inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of life and property.

Marasco seeks unspecified damages, interest, court costs and attorney fees. He is represented by St. Marys attorney Brent Wolfinbarger with the Pleasants Law Firm.

The case is assigned to Judge J.D. Beane.

Wood Circuit Court case number 11-C-299