A New Jersey man’s lawsuit claims he was left with injuries requiring spinal surgery after he was accosted by security staff at a downtown State College restaurant and bar.

Scott Somers’ complaint filed Wednesday in federal court accuses Primanti Bros. and its parent company of “negligent, reckless, and wanton conduct” that led to the incident on February 24, 2024, at the 130 Hiester St. restaurant.

According to the lawsuit, Somers says he approached Primanti Bros. staff wearing shirts emblazoned with “Security” to ask why they were confronting his son. Somers alleges that staff members, unprovoked, immediately initiated physical contact, “violently and forcefully grabbing and restraining” both him and his son.

Somers claims he was then “forcefully pulled backward toward the door.” Once outside, a staff member grabbed him “in a ‘headlock’ or ‘choke hold’ and forcefully threw him to the ground” while surrounded by five other employees, attorney Jason Ohliger wrote.

Neck injuries sustained by Somers as a result of the incident required spinal fusion surgery, according to the lawsuit. Somers “was caused to suffer severe, painful, and permanent injuries, and in the future will continue to experience significant pain and suffering,” Ohliger wrote.

The lawsuit claims Primanti Bros. Restaurant Corporation, parent company Authentic Restaurant Brands, and private equity firm Garnett Station Partners failed to appropriately screen and hire security personnel or train them on confronting patrons and the use of force, among other alleged acts of negligence.

Somers is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Authentic Restaurant Brands did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.

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