A Louisiana man has filed a lawsuit against a local restaurant owner, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR). Daniel Todd, the plaintiff, filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on May 5, 2025, accusing Feng Jin Teng, the defendant and owner of East Asia China Buffet in Alexandria, Louisiana, of failing to provide accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities.
The case centers around Todd's claims that he was deterred from entering East Asia China Buffet due to several architectural barriers that violate ADA standards. According to the complaint, these barriers include inaccessible parking spaces without an access aisle and a curb ramp blocked by a parking spot. Additionally, Todd alleges that the existing curb ramp is broken and lacks necessary edge protection. As a result of these obstacles, Todd argues that he is unable to enjoy full access to the restaurant's services like other patrons. "Removal of these discriminatory barriers is readily achievable," asserts Todd in his complaint, emphasizing that such modifications would not impose an undue burden on Teng.
Todd further contends that Teng's failure to address these accessibility issues constitutes discrimination under both federal and state laws. The ADA mandates public accommodations to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, while LCHR prohibits denying equal enjoyment of goods and services based on disability. Todd seeks declaratory and injunctive relief requiring Teng to make necessary alterations to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Additionally, he requests compensatory damages for injuries sustained due to alleged discrimination and reimbursement for legal fees incurred during this litigation.
Represented by attorneys Andrew D. Bizer, Garret S. Dereus, and Eva M. Kalikoff from Bizer & DeReus LLC in New Orleans, Todd aims to secure a court order mandating changes at East Asia China Buffet. The case ID is 1:25-cv-00606.