East Lansing arcade faces civil rights lawsuit over ‘men only’ hiring allegations

EAST LANSING — A local resident has filed a lawsuit against the long-standing arcade Pinball Pete’s, alleging the venue denied her a job application and employment because she is a woman.

The complaint, filed Feb. 5 in Ingham County Circuit Court, alleges that 3TM Inc., which operates as Pinball Pete’s, violated Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Melissa Rill, 46, claims that when she inquired about a closing shift position at the East Lansing location in April 2024, she was told the business only hires men for evening and late-night roles.

According to the complaint, Rill met with hiring manager Jeffrey Piotter on May 2, 2024, to request a job application. Piotter allegedly responded by saying he was “skirting the law a little,” but would not let his own daughter close the establishment. He reportedly told Rill that the customers are “drunk men” and that he typically hires men for night positions because of the perceived risks.

When Rill replied that she was 45 years old (at the time) and was not concerned about working at night, Piotter allegedly noted that his own 26-year-old daughter was not allowed to walk to her car from the venue at night. 

Rill requested an application a second time, but Piotter reportedly told her she would be unable to stop someone from robbing the business because she was “too petite.” The complaint alleges that Piotter looked Rill up and down and continued to reference her sex and “petite” size for the rest of the conversation, which made her feel deeply uncomfortable.

Rill then asked if the arcade had an alarm system or security cameras. Piotter allegedly stated they did not, explaining that he was responsible for $500,000 in equipment and up to $10,000 in cash. He expressed concern that a new employee might forget to lock the door and stated he did not want to be woken up at 2 a.m. by such calls.

Rill countered that she had been a bank manager for two decades and previously owned a boutique in East Lansing, meaning she was experienced in handling large sums of money and understood the importance of securing a building. Despite this, Piotter allegedly insisted he did not want to be woken up by a woman “crying their eyes out” because they could not get drunk customers to leave.

When Rill tried to explain her qualifications, Piotter interrupted her to say he was sorry but the role was not a good position for someone “small” like her, repeating that he only hires males for the shift. 

Rill mentioned that her husband and 18-year-old son were also interested in the job, to which Piotter responded they could apply the next day, though he was “99%” sure he would hire a man he was interviewing the following morning. 

When Rill asked if she could take a blank application home for them, Piotter rejected the request, insisting they apply in person, and turned his back on her until she left the building.

Turning Rill away on the basis of gender is unlawful, an attorney representing her said in a prepared statement. 

“Michigan law plainly prohibits employers from refusing to hire someone because of their gender,” said Tad T. Roumayah, an attorney at Sommers Schwartz representing Rill. “Our client was qualified for the position and denied the job solely because she is a woman, in direct violation of her civil rights.”

The legal challenge stands in contrast to the arcade’s public image. On its website, Pinball Pete’s describes itself as “an easy-going, inclusive environment where retro vibes meet genuine hospitality.”

The establishment has been a staple of the East Lansing and Ann Arbor communities since 1977.

The lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. Rill is also seeking a trial by jury, according to the complaint.