Marylou's being investigated for discrimination

QUINCY, Mass. (WHDH) -- A federal investigation has been launched to determine whether the South Shore coffee chain Marylou’s discriminates against job applicants.

The company denies the allegations of discrimination even though the employees at Marylou’s tend to be attractive young women.

“No, I don’t think it’s discrimination at all. I think it is what it is,” said Katelyn Meuse, a customer.

A letter written by Marylou’s founder, Marylou Sandry, to a state senator says The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission launched a federal investigation a year ago, trying to determine whether the coffee shop chain discriminates -- especially against male and older female job applicants. It says the EEOC has filed seven charges to date, apparently on the behalf of people who weren't hired. It says the EEOC is on "a witch hunt."

Sandry's letter goes on to state that even though her branding is pink, and her employees tend to be young women, she does not discriminate. She says the investigation is a waste of valuable time and money.

“If I was looking for a job I wouldn't come here to apply ‘cause they only hire young girls,” said Eric Anderson.

“That’s the way they want to run their business, you know? For me, it’s okay” said John Jao.

A spokesman for Marylou's says there are about 600 people working for the chain and about a third of those people are over 40.

State Senator Bob Hedlund -- a Marylou's customer -- says the EEOC is overreaching.

“I don’t understand. What? Do we want to have old, fat white guys wearing pink T-shirts selling coffee in there? I don’t know what the goal is,” Senator Hedlund said.

Marylou’s released a statements saying:

“We hire only the most qualified applicants, in total compliance with state and federal laws, to work in our stores, and those qualifications begin and end with a winning personality and a passion for customer service.”