Lawsuit Alleging Violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act Filed Against Garces Restaurant Group in Philadelphia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Contact:    Jamie Ray-Leonetti, Staff Attorney
(215) 238-8070, ext. 219

Dynah Haubert, Staff Attorney
(215) 238-8070, ext. 207

Kelly Darr, Legal Director
(215) 238-8070, ext. 221

Disability Rights Pennsylvania files Leahy v. Garces Restaurant Group LLC et al.

Lawsuit alleges new Philadelphia eatery operated by Iron Chef Jose Garces denies access to patron with disabilities.

Philadelphia, PA – On March 2, 2017, Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) filed a lawsuit against Garces Restaurant Group LLC et al. to address allegations of violations of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA).   Leahy v. Garces Restaurant Group LLC et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  DRP represents Michele Leahy, who contacted DRP following her experience when visiting the new restaurant “24” – Garces Wood Fired Fare with a business colleague.  Ms. Leahy is a business owner and a wheelchair user.

Last fall, Ms. Leahy visited the newest Garces restaurant “24” in Philadelphia and the restaurant was not accessible.  Ms. Leahy alleges violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, specifically, that the restaurant undertook new construction when it added a new patio and vestibule at the building where 24 is located.  The entrance to the newly constructed patio has two steps and is not wheelchair accessible.  Additionally, the restaurant has two other inaccessible entrances.

“Although the ADA was passed 27 years ago, architectural barriers still exist,” said staff attorney Jamie Ray-Leonetti, who is representing Ms. Leahy.   “An inaccessible business can interfere with the ability of people with disabilities to enjoy the same benefits as patrons without disabilities.”

DRP’s mission is to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities so that they may live the lives they choose, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and segregation.

###

To view the complaint, please click here.

Thank you,
Disability Rights Pennsylvania
Offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh