Katz’s Deli, the iconic New York City eatery famous for its role in “When Harry Met Sally,” has agreed to update its bathrooms and entrances to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) after a long-standing lawsuit. The deli, which has been in operation for over a century, will make significant changes to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The settlement, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, requires Katz’s Deli to renovate its bathrooms and entrances, increase its accessible seating, and implement policies for staff to accept payment from differently abled patrons. The deli must also display Braille signs in its bathrooms and lower the threshold to enter.
The changes are aimed at providing individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the restaurant. “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,” said Edward Kim, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
The lawsuit was launched in 2011, during a probe into the most popular Manhattan restaurants at the time, as designated by Zagat. The investigation revealed numerous architectural barriers for people with disabilities, including inaccessible entrances and bathrooms.
Under the consent decree entered on Monday, Katz’s Deli must ensure that at least 5% of its fixed seating or standing spaces are accessible. The deli will also create policies for staff to accept payment from differently abled patrons and make a member of staff available to help people with disabilities enter the restaurant.
Katz’s owner Jake Dell stated, “As always, we have worked closely with the DOJ to ensure our restaurant is fully accessible and welcoming to all our valued customers.” The deli will also pay a $20,000 civil penalty to the federal government under the decree.
Source: https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2024/12/31/nycs-oldest-deli-agrees-to-update-bathrooms-entrances-to-end-ada-charges/?slreturn=20250103-45008