A visually-impaired individual has filed a lawsuit against a bakery cafe for allegedly failing to make its website accessible to blind and visually-impaired users. On November 26, 2025, Felipe Fernandez filed a class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against AA BC Bakery Cafe Corp. The lawsuit claims that the defendant’s website is not compatible with screen-reading software, which violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL).
Felipe Fernandez, who is legally blind, asserts that he requires screen-reading software to access website content on his computer. According to the complaint, Fernandez attempted multiple times to use the defendant’s website, www.kobakoreanbbq.com, most recently on May 8, 2025. However, he encountered numerous barriers that prevented him from placing an online order for Korean BBQ due to the site’s lack of accessibility features. The lawsuit argues that this denial of access constitutes discrimination under both federal and city laws.
The plaintiff highlights that websites should be designed in compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 to ensure they are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The complaint lists several specific accessibility issues found on the defendant’s website, such as missing alternative text for images, improperly formatted headings, and inaccessible forms. These barriers hinder blind users from fully utilizing the site and accessing its services.
Fernandez seeks a permanent injunction requiring AA BC Bakery Cafe Corp. to modify its corporate policies and procedures so that its website becomes accessible according to WCAG 2.1 guidelines. He also requests compensatory damages for himself and other similarly situated individuals who have been denied equal access due to these barriers. Additionally, the plaintiff demands reasonable attorney fees and costs associated with bringing this action.
Representing Felipe Fernandez is attorney Rami Salim from Stein Saks PLLC based in Hackensack, New Jersey. The case is being presided over by judges at the Southern District of New York under Case ID 25-9888.
Source: 125cv09888_Felipe_Fernandez_v_AA_BC_Bakery_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
