News

Overweight man sues White Castle for discrimination

September 12, 2011

A 6-foot, 290-pound New York man has sued White Castle for discrimination, claiming the chain's booths were too small to fit his large frame.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Martin Kessman experienced "pain and embarrassment" at a White Castle in Nanuet, N.Y. when he couldn't fit into a booth while eating with friends.

The lawsuit was filed last week in a federal court in Manhattan under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It claims the restaurant failed to make seating modifications to accommodate all of its patrons.

Kessman claims he has brought up the booth size issue with the company before, and was told the restaurant in his market would be remodeled with larger tables. He was also sent a list of locations within the White Castle system that include larger seating options, as well as a coupon for free food.

In a letter from White Castle, that was included in the lawsuit, the company said its remodeling project would increase the space between the booth and table by 6 inches. White Castle also claims it is adding tables with free-standing chairs.

White Castle is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Read more about restaurant layouts and remodels.