U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has announced a legal settlement with Katz’s Delicatessen of Houston St. Inc., commonly known as Katz’s Deli, to address violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This resolution follows a lawsuit that was filed and settled through a consent decree approved by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.
Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim stated, “The corrections and modifications agreed to by Katz’s Deli will give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy one of New York City’s most popular restaurants, as is required by the ADA.”
This action concludes the Manhattan Restaurants ADA Compliance Initiative initiated in September 2011. The initiative involved evaluating ADA compliance among Manhattan's 50 "most popular" restaurants, as identified by the 2011 Zagat Guide.
Throughout this initiative, many establishments needed only minor adjustments to meet accessibility standards. The U.S. Attorney's Office addressed these issues through letters to about two dozen restaurants. For those requiring more significant changes, voluntary compliance agreements were established in approximately two dozen cases. Legal actions were taken against multiple-location restaurants facing substantial accessibility barriers, including Rosa Mexicano and Carmine’s locations.
The complaint against Katz’s Deli highlighted several ADA violations at its Lower East Side location, notably an inaccessible main entrance and inadequate dining surfaces for persons with disabilities. Despite renovations in 2018, restrooms also failed to meet ADA standards.
Under the consent decree, Katz’s Deli is required to enhance accessibility at entrances, dining areas, and restrooms. Measures include staff assistance at the main entrance, ensuring adequate accessible dining surfaces, and renovating restrooms. Additionally, Katz’s Deli will pay a $20,000 civil penalty.
Mr. Kim expressed gratitude to the Disability Rights Section of the Department of Justice for their support in this case.
Complaints regarding non-compliance with disability access laws within the Southern District of New York can be submitted via the Civil Rights Complaint Form on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website or sent directly to their office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Farber is overseeing this case within the Civil Rights Unit of the Civil Division.
