In a compelling legal battle that underscores the ongoing challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in accessing digital services, Camille Winfield-Newton has filed a lawsuit against Crenn Dining Group, LLC. The complaint was lodged on November 17, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara. Winfield-Newton accuses the renowned dining establishment of failing to make its website accessible to blind and visually impaired customers, thereby violating multiple civil rights laws.
Camille Winfield-Newton, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate online content, asserts that Crenn Dining Group’s website is not compatible with such technology. This incompatibility allegedly prevents her from accessing essential services like making reservations at Atelier Crenn, a three-Michelin-star restaurant celebrated for its modern French cuisine. According to the complaint, this denial of access violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the California Disabled Persons Act. “Being unable to access websites puts individuals at a great disadvantage in today’s society,” Winfield-Newton argues, emphasizing how critical digital accessibility is in an era dominated by electronic marketplaces.
The plaintiff recounts her experience on July 30, 2025, when she attempted to use Crenn Dining Group’s website to make a reservation but encountered numerous barriers. These included non-text elements lacking alternative text descriptions and interactive elements without proper labels or instructions for screen-reader users. Such obstacles rendered the site unusable for her and others with similar disabilities. The lawsuit highlights that these barriers not only prevent full participation in digital commerce but also deter physically visiting the restaurant due to missing crucial information like location and hours.
Winfield-Newton seeks both injunctive relief and statutory damages from the court. She demands that Crenn Dining Group take immediate action to rectify these accessibility issues by implementing changes guided by an agreed-upon consultant specializing in web accessibility. Additionally, she requests periodic audits and end-user testing involving individuals with disabilities to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards. The lawsuit also calls for statutory minimum damages of $4,000 per offense under California law.
Representing Camille Winfield-Newton is Andrew J. Gramajo from AJG Law Group PC., who emphasizes the importance of enforcing digital accessibility laws as integral civil rights protections. The case is being reviewed under Case No.: 25CV480178 by Judge Andrew J. Gramajo in Santa Clara County’s Superior Court.
Source: 25CV480178_Camille_Winfield_v_Crenn_Dining_Complaint_County_of_Santa_Clara_California.pdf
