A much-loved burger restaurant is closing after a wheelchair user sued the restaurant over a 'high threshold' that prevented him from entering.
The Great American Hamburger & Pie Co. in Richmond, San Francisco, closed last week, citing the lawsuit as the final blow.
The owners, George and Helen Koliavas told local media that there were discussions about constructing a wheelchair-accessible ramp, but the cost was too high.
Now, they said they have been left with no choice but to close after 38 years in business.
The burger restaurant has now been left with "no choice" but to close
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The pair said: "We want to thank all our loyal customers who have made our business successful for the past 38 years. Also, we want to thank the Richmond community for supporting us during the past few days after hearing the news of our business closing.
"We are humbled and appreciative for the tremendous love and support that you have been showing us through this difficult time. We love and we will dearly miss you all!"
A paraplegic man filed suit against the Koliavases and their landlord in January after encountering a "high threshold" on two visits to the burger joint last year.
On both occasions, the threshold blocked his wheelchair from entering the restaurant, prompting him to hire an "accessibility expert" to conduct an informal investigation.
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A paraplegic man filed suit against the pair
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George said: "It's frustrating, and you get to a point where you say, 'you know what, forget it'.
"It seems like the chain reaction is that the landlord doesn't want to do anything, and it comes down on the small businesses."
Long time customer Frank Davis told The Richmond Standard: "I heard about what happened and I had to make a special trip over here."
Another customer who started dining at the eatery about two years ago, after he started working locally, called it the "best burger I’ve ever had."
The eatery was opened by Helen's parents in 1986, and the Koliavases took over the business in 2010.
George said: "It was an emotional thing. When you called, it was one of our better days. Everyone wants to help.
"There's a gentleman who comes once or twice a week and sits with us in the morning. This week, I've seen him every day. Those are the things that are going to stay with me."
