Sacramento burger joint Squeeze Inn received national attention after it was featured on the Food Network's popular "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" program.
It also attracted plaintiffs' attorney Jason K. Singleton, who has filed lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act against numerous businesses in Northern California -- including one that forced Eureka's Arctic Circle restaurant to close last year because, the owners said, they could not afford the renovations required by the lawsuit.
Squeeze Inn owner Travis Hausauer said he doesn't have the time or the money to make the changes, and that the lawsuit could shut him down.
Plaintiffs' lawyer Singleton sued on behalf of Kimberly Block, who cites a lack of accessible tables, no grab bars in the restroom, and uneven gravel surfaces outside.
Another business owner sued by Singleton, Six Rivers Brewery co-owner Meredith Maier, talked to CJAC earlier this year about the changes she made to bring her business into compliance with the ADA, and the financial hardships the business faced. The video can be viewed here.
Last year, the California Legislature passed a bill designed to improve access and reduce abusive lawsuits regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill, SB 1608, which CJAC supported, will hopefully reduce the number of abusive ADA lawsuits but will also improve compliance with important access laws.