DOTHAN | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
A federal judge has ruled in favor of a former employee who accused a Dothan restaurant owner of harassment and workplace misconduct.
According to court documents, Joyce Boigenzahn filed a lawsuit against Joe Puk, who also goes by the name Joe Cook and owns Hibachi Joe’s and Mikata Steakhouse in Dothan.
Boigenzahn, described in the suit as Puk’s business manager, alleged that she experienced harassment from Puk, including offers of “extra money for sexual favors.” She also claimed he mistreated other female employees and alleged he assaulted a job applicant, which she reported to Dothan police. Police have not confirmed a report, and public records do not show an arrest related to the allegation.
What sets this case apart from many workplace lawsuits is that Puk did not respond to the claims in court. As a result, U.S. District Judge Emily Marks issued a default judgment in favor of Boigenzahn.
The case is not over, however. Boigenzahn is seeking about $62,000 in back pay along with punitive and compensatory damages, but Judge Marks ruled the amount requested was not properly substantiated. A hearing has been scheduled for April 30 to determine the damages.
Puk said he is in the process of hiring an attorney to represent him and declined to comment on the allegations.
The Dothan businessman has previously received public recognition, including being named a “Silent Hero” in 2022.
