A lawsuit has been filed in the Southern District of New York, alleging systemic discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The complaint was submitted by Kai Hunte on February 19, 2026, targeting Moka Mo Coffee House Corp. and Soho Gateway Corporation for failing to provide accessible facilities as required by law.
Kai Hunte, a resident of Queens County who uses a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury sustained in 2010, claims that he was unable to access the premises at 90 West Houston Street in New York City because of architectural barriers. On December 19, 2025, Hunte attempted to visit the establishment to purchase Yemeni pastries and coffee but was thwarted by a step at the entrance with no accessible alternative or assistance available. This incident left him feeling humiliated and excluded. The lawsuit alleges violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), along with breaches of New York State Human Rights Law, New York State Civil Rights Law, and New York City Human Rights Law.
The plaintiff’s complaint outlines various accessibility issues within the premises. These include non-compliant entryways lacking ramps or other means for wheelchair access, dining surfaces without adequate knee and toe clearance for wheelchair users, and service counters exceeding permissible heights without providing lowered sections for accessibility. These conditions allegedly violate multiple standards set forth under both federal and local laws aimed at ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities.
Hunte is seeking several forms of relief from the court. He requests declaratory judgment recognizing the defendants’ violations of accessibility laws and an injunction mandating compliance with these regulations before reopening their business operations. Additionally, he seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress suffered due to these discriminatory practices, punitive damages under New York City Administrative Code provisions to deter future violations, as well as reimbursement for attorney’s fees and litigation costs incurred while pursuing this case.
Representing Kai Hunte is attorney Gabriel A. Levy from Manhasset, New York. The case is presided over by judges from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under Case ID 1:26-cv-01407.
Source: 126cv01407_Kai_Hunte_v_Moka_Mo_Coffee_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
