Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Making a Federal case out of a small "dive"

The Squeeze Inn, once locally famous and thanks in part to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, now nationally famous burger joint in Sacramento, CA is being sued in Federal Court.

A disabled Sacramento woman filed suit because she suffered "embarrassment and humiliation" when she was unable access tables nor maneuver a wheelchair during her visit last November.

According to an ABC news report, "Squeeze Inn owner Travis Hausauer said it's the second time he's been sued for access issues since his restaurant was featured on national TV."

Hausauer said he just made improvements in the unisex restroom and outside seating area as part of the settlement for the previous suit.

Here's a clip from the Burgers episode, aired in Triple D's first season.



Squeeze Inn (no website)
7918 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA, 95820 - map
(916) 386-8599

Speaking for myself, I'm a proponent of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If a building is too small to service the public, and by that I mean ALL the public, then that business should move to a new location, make changes to its facilities, or suffer the consequences.

I know business is tough these days - the restaurant business no exception. And I'm sorry for The Squeeze Inn's troubles. But they're smart people, they know their biz and they know the laws. Accommodating a wheelchair, even if it's to provide outdoor service or to make reasonable accommodations in some other way, seems not too large a thing to do.

No?

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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You know that this woman is just looking for a handout. If she really wants their food then she should just go the Galt location. Should everyone who goes to the Squeeze Inn sue when there is no room?

Lara said...

Anon 8:50, excellent point. People like this woman make me think of the lady who sued McDonald's for serving hot coffee, of all the ridiculous things.

Anonymous said...

"Accommodating a wheelchair, even if it's to provide outdoor service or to make reasonable accommodations in some other way, seems not too large a thing to do."

Squeeze inn does have ADA compliant service behind their building in the outdoor serving area, that's where I sat, and was served, when I was in a wheelchair following a knee injury.

Lara said...

beginningthejourney, great news. I should hope The Squeeze Inn won't have anything to worry about with this suit. It really does look like a great place!

The ADA isn't about making making exceptions for disabled people, it's about making reasonable accommodations.

Anonymous said...
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Dora said...

Anon 11:52, I welcome opposing points of view, even passionately opposing points of view. However, comments about my fundamental orifice, and whether or not it is wide enough for your boot, are not welcome.