Oldest NYC Deli Agrees to Upgrade Restrooms to be ADA Compliant

A lawsuit against Katz’s Delicatesses in New York City for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations was settled in December. The legendary Lower East Side eatery agreed to pay a US$20,000 penalty, and improve physical accessibility, including to its restrooms, entrances, and seating, according to Edward Y. Kim, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

According to a complaint, the over-century-old deli was found to have several ADA violations, including noncompliant restrooms despite renovations in 2018. Under a new consent decree, Katz’s will renovate the restrooms and improve accessibility at its entrances and dining areas.

The lawsuit and consent decree conclude the U.S. Attorney’s Manhattan Restaurants ADA Compliance Initiative, launched in September 2011, which reviewed ADA compliance at Manhattan’s 50 “most popular” restaurants determined by the 2011 Zagat Guide.