The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York settled a lawsuit with Katz’s Deli over violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The kosher-style restaurant agreed to pay a $20,000 fine and improve its facilities for disabled people through a consent decree. Among the issues identified were the lack of accessibility at the main entrance, insufficient dining surfaces for persons with disabilities, and non-compliance with ADA standards in the restrooms. The consent decree includes provisions for staff assistance, accessible dining surfaces, and renovations to the restrooms at Katz’s Deli.
Katz’s Deli, established in 1888 as Iceland Brothers, is known as New York City’s oldest deli. Famous for its pastrami-on-rye sandwiches and matzah ball soup, Katz’s has a long history in the Lower East Side neighborhood, once the center of Eastern European Jewish migration to the United States. The deli gained further popularity after being featured in the 1989 comedy “When Harry Met Sally…”. During World War II, the owners’ sons were all serving in the armed forces, leading to the slogan “send a salami to your boy in the Army.” Katz’s has also been frequented by actors, singers, and comedians during the peak of the Yiddish theater era.
The U.S. attorney’s office stated that the settlement with Katz’s brought to a close a 13-year initiative focused on ADA compliance in Manhattan restaurants. The initiative evaluated the accessibility of the 50 most popular restaurants in the borough, based on the 2011 Zagat guide. As part of the settlement, Katz’s Deli agreed to addressing the identified accessibility issues and making the necessary improvements to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This includes providing more accessible dining surfaces, renovating restrooms, and implementing staff assistance for individuals with disabilities.
The consent decree reached between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Katz’s Deli aims to enhance the accessibility of the landmark Lower East Side restaurant for individuals with disabilities. By addressing issues such as the lack of access at the main entrance, inadequate dining surfaces, and non-compliance in the restrooms, Katz’s will be able to better accommodate all patrons. The provisions in the agreement outline specific actions that the deli must take, including staff training, renovations, and facility upgrades to meet the requirements of the ADA.
With its rich history dating back to the late 19th century, Katz’s Deli has played a significant role in the cultural and culinary landscape of New York City. Known for its traditional Jewish deli fare and iconic dishes like pastrami sandwiches and matzah ball soup, Katz’s has served generations of customers. The deli’s connections to the Yiddish theater era and its famous slogans, such as “send a salami to your boy in the Army,” have become part of its storied legacy. By addressing ADA compliance issues and improving accessibility, Katz’s can continue to welcome a diverse range of customers and maintain its status as a beloved New York institution.
The settlement between Katz’s Deli and the U.S. Attorney’s Office highlights the importance of ADA compliance in public accommodations and the restaurant industry. By enforcing regulations and ensuring that businesses adhere to accessibility standards, individuals with disabilities can enjoy equal access to dining establishments. The resolution of the lawsuit against Katz’s represents a step towards creating a more inclusive environment for all patrons, regardless of their physical abilities. As a historic and iconic establishment in New York City, Katz’s Deli serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of traditional delis and the importance of preserving these culinary traditions for future generations.
