A landmark lawsuit asserting that **digital ordering systems (websites and mobile apps)** connected to physical restaurants must be fully accessible to visually impaired customers under **ADA Title III**.
In 2016, the salad restaurant chain Sweetgreen was hit with a federal lawsuit claiming that its **website and mobile ordering app were inaccessible to visually impaired customers**. Although the company was larger than most small businesses, the case remains highly relevant to smaller restaurants and local shops using digital ordering systems.
Plaintiffs alleged that Sweetgreen’s digital platforms were not compatible with screen readers, preventing blind users from independently browsing the menu, customizing salads, or completing orders. Key issues included unlabeled buttons, poor color contrast, and the impossibility of keyboard navigation.
The case was brought under **Title III of the ADA** and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, emphasizing that online ordering systems tied to physical restaurants must provide equal access.
The investigation revealed multiple, common WCAG violations that severely limited access for screen reader users and those with visual impairments.
The 2016 settlement established a mandatory roadmap for digital accessibility, significantly impacting Sweetgreen's operational structure.
Full compliance with **WCAG 2.0 Level A/AA** by March 31, 2017. Establishing an **Accessibility Coordinator** role to oversee compliance. Creating a user feedback portal for accessibility issues. Providing mandatory training to developers and content managers for at least two years. Periodic accessibility testing with blind and visually impaired users.
DIGITAL
ACCESSIBILITY
Focuses on WCAG standards for web and mobile applications.
This case remains a benchmark for digital ADA compliance in the restaurant and hospitality sector. It proves that **accessibility is as crucial online as it is in the physical world**. Any business offering goods or services through a website or app, especially one tied to physical locations (like ordering/reservations), must ensure its digital platform adheres to WCAG standards to mitigate legal risk.