A recent lawsuit claims that a well-known Bronx restaurant denied full and equal access to its facilities for individuals with disabilities, raising concerns about compliance with accessibility laws at public establishments. The complaint was filed by John Laureano in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 10, 2026, naming Meraki Restaurant Corp., doing business as Tremont Diner, and 3007 Enterprises Inc. as defendants.
According to the filing, Laureano is a resident of New York who uses a wheelchair due to paraplegia. He alleges that during a visit to Tremont Diner in October 2025, he was unable to access or enjoy the restaurant’s services because of architectural barriers and other obstacles. The complaint asserts that these conditions violate Title III of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as provisions of the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) and the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL).
The lawsuit outlines several specific issues encountered at the diner located at 3007 East Tremont Avenue. Among them are steps at both main and auxiliary entrances without ramps or lifts compliant with ADA standards; sales counters and dining counters exceeding permitted height limits; insufficient maneuvering space in restroom stalls; lack of accessible door handles; missing required grab bars around toilets; inadequate clearance under lavatories; non-compliant restroom mirrors and hand dryers; faucet handles requiring twisting motion; soap dispensers out of reach range; inaccessible flushing mechanisms; exposed pipes lacking insulation; absence of ADA-compliant signage throughout restrooms and facility areas; self-service machines placed too high for wheelchair users; an ATM not meeting accessibility guidelines; unsecured floor mats posing hazards; emergency exits inaccessible due to steps without proper ramps or lifts; insufficient directional signage addressing people with disabilities; and other similar deficiencies.
Laureano’s complaint states: “Defendants have discriminated, and continue to discriminate, against the Plaintiff, and others who are similarly situated, by denying full and equal access to, and full and equal enjoyment of, goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and/or accommodations at Defendants’ Property.” The document further alleges that these barriers remain despite being readily achievable to remove or modify under existing law.
The legal action is brought under multiple statutes. Under federal law—specifically Title III of the ADA—the plaintiff argues that Tremont Diner is a place of public accommodation required since January 26, 1992 to make its premises accessible. Similar requirements exist under NYCHRL (NYC Admin. Code § 8-107(4)(a)) and NYSHRL (NYS Exec. Law § 296(2)(a)), which prohibit discrimination based on disability by owners or operators of public accommodations.
The complaint references legislative intent behind these laws: “Congress explicitly stated that the purpose of the ADA was to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.” It also notes that both city and state human rights laws were designed to offer broad protection beyond federal standards.
Laureano seeks several forms of relief from the court. These include an order declaring that defendants’ property violates federal, state, and city disability rights laws; an injunction requiring alterations so all facilities become accessible according to legal standards; evaluation and revision of policies toward disabled patrons while corrective measures are implemented; reasonable attorney’s fees along with costs including expert fees; compensatory damages totaling $1,500 for violations under city and state law plus punitive damages pursuant to local administrative code provisions.
The suit emphasizes: “By failing to comply with the law in effect for decades, the Defendants have articulated to disabled persons…that they in effect are not welcome.” The plaintiff claims injury from this alleged exclusionary conduct.
Attorney B. Bradley Weitz of The Weitz Law Firm represents Laureano in this matter. The case is identified as Case No: 1:26-cv-01943.
Source: 126cv01943_John_Laureano_v_Meraki_Restaurant_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
