A federal lawsuit claims that a popular neighborhood restaurant and its property owner have failed to provide accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities, in violation of federal law. The suit alleges that significant architectural barriers prevent customers who use wheelchairs from entering or fully enjoying the services offered at the establishment.
The complaint was filed by Samuel Lopez in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 20, 2026, naming 137 Thompson Street LLC and Cafe Yaya LLC as defendants.
According to court documents, Lopez is a resident of Kings County, New York, who has paraplegia and uses a wheelchair. He states that he visited the premises located at 137 Thompson Street on multiple occasions in March 2025 and again on February 12, 2026. During these visits, Lopez reports encountering an “interceding concrete step” at the entrance which prevented him from safely entering the restaurant. The complaint asserts that there was no bell or signage indicating an accessible entryway and that Lopez waited outside but received no assistance from staff. As a result, he was unable to access the goods and services offered by Cafe Yaya.
Lopez alleges that these physical barriers constitute discrimination under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related accessibility guidelines. The complaint outlines several specific violations observed at Cafe Yaya: “The entrance is inaccessible because an accessible route to the establishment is not provided,” it states, citing missing ramps for steps at entrances as well as insufficient maneuvering clearance at doors. Additional issues described include an inaccessible service counter due to excessive height, lack of compliant restroom signage, narrow restroom doors preventing access for wheelchair users, non-compliant door hardware requiring twisting of the wrist, insufficient turning space within restrooms, lavatories mounted above allowable heights, exposed pipes under sinks creating safety risks, paper towel dispensers placed out of reach range, mirrors mounted too high for seated patrons, inadequate water closet clearance for transfers from wheelchairs, and missing grab bars in restrooms.
The plaintiff claims that these conditions are not only unlawful but also readily remediable without significant difficulty or expense. He further notes his personal interest in visiting Cafe Yaya due to its unique menu offerings—such as Tuna Melt sandwiches and Ikura Rice Bowls—and his intention to return if accessibility improvements are made. Lopez also identifies himself as an advocate for disability rights who serves as a “tester” to verify public accommodations’ compliance with ADA requirements.
The lawsuit requests injunctive relief compelling both 137 Thompson Street LLC (the property owner) and Cafe Yaya LLC (the business operator) to bring their premises into full compliance with ADA standards. Specifically, Lopez seeks a permanent injunction ordering removal of all identified barriers so that individuals with disabilities can enjoy equal access. He also asks the court to consider closing the premises until necessary alterations are completed.
In addition to injunctive relief, Lopez requests reimbursement for attorney’s fees and litigation costs incurred during this action. The case is represented by Maria-Costanza Barducci of Barducci Law Firm PLLC; no judge’s name is specified in the filing. The case identification number is 1:26-cv-02312.
Source: 126cv02312_SamueL_Lope_v_137_Thompson_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York..pdf
