‘Ladies Night’ settlement leads to closure of Concord’s popular Lima restaurant
CONCORD – The last day of 2024 marked a bittersweet end for popular Peruvian restaurant Lima.
“We are closing the business because of the huge expense of spending over $40,000 fighting a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination for half-price Lady’s Night drinks we offered on Wednesday nights,” owner-chef John Marquez regretfully declared.
While thanking his loyal customers for their support, he added: “Between dealing with legal proceedings and COVID-19, it was not practical to keep the business going any longer.”
Lima admirers filled the restaurant to capacity in its final days. Enjoying an order of empanadas and seafood paella, Ray and Lynn Yates from Antioch expressed regret. “One of our favorite places to dine will no longer be ours to partake in.”
‘One of the nicest restaurants’
Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer joined the chorus lamenting Lima’s closure. “I am very, very sorry that a frivolous lawsuit means the end of one of the nicest restaurants that downtown Concord has ever enjoyed.”
Obringer went on to say there was nothing the city could do to assist Lima and that Marquez had not requested help from local government.
After rarely leaving the kitchen during the restaurant’s last week in operation, Marquez is considering opening a new restaurant or possibly moving to Texas.
“With my daughter a junior in high school, I would like to stay here but we will see,” he said.
The acclaimed chef worked under Kevin Gin at Bridges in Danville and at Thomas Keller’s three Michelin Star French Laundry in Yountville. He previously opened a restaurant for Keller in New York.
Lawsuits
Lima is not the only business to fall victim to court proceedings claiming gender discrimination.
It cost the Oakland A’s a half million dollars to settle a complaint about a Women’s Day promotion the team offered. A court ruling determined the baseball club violated the Unruh Civil Rights Act of 1959, as Lima allegedly did. Although the case has been settled, Marquez and his legal team are prohibited from discussing the details.
Despite the setbacks, Marquez reflects fondly on the near decade he spent operating Lima. His family, including mom Elizabeth, were onsite on the last day to thank patrons for their loyalty and support.
He summed up his sentiments in a note on Lima’s bill of fare on New Year’s Eve: “We are delighted to present a menu featuring a selection of our most popular dishes. Enjoy the favorites that have made our restaurant special. Buen Provecho!”
Rich Eber
Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord. His diverse topics covered go from politics to gourmet food. He can be reached at rjerje@pacbell.net