Americans with Disabilities

Chipotle Mexican Grill coined the phrase the “Chipotle Experience” to describe customers’ participation in the preparation of their meal. In July 2010, the Ninth Circuit ruled in Antoninetti v. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., that the Chipotle Experience violated the ADA because there was no “equivalent facilitation” for customers in wheelchairs, who could not see over a wall separating the food from the customers. The court awarded injunctive relief, damages, and attorney’s fees. Like Chipotle, other restaurants and retailers are at risk for failing to offer the same customer experience to all their patrons, particularly if they advertise the experience to the public.Continue Reading Ninth Circuit Holds that Under the ADA, Chipotle Mexican Grill Must Offer Patrons Equivalent Customer Experiences