Byron Chapman, a disabled individual and advocate for accessibility rights, has filed a lawsuit against a California business alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, on November 21, 2025, against Sam’s Classic Burger Inc., its property owner Cynthia McCray, and unnamed defendants Does 1-10.
Chapman claims that during his visits to Sam’s Classic Burgers in Citrus Heights in July and August 2025, he encountered significant barriers that violated accessibility laws. According to Chapman, these barriers included non-compliant parking spaces lacking proper access aisles for wheelchair users and an uneven route from the parking area to the restaurant entrance. He alleges that these conditions caused him difficulty and embarrassment and made it unsafe for him to navigate the premises using his wheelchair.
In his efforts to resolve these issues amicably, Chapman sent letters to both the property owner and tenant after his initial visit. However, he received a response from McCray insisting that the establishment was ADA compliant despite photographic evidence showing otherwise. This prompted Chapman to take legal action after observing no changes during his subsequent visit.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of failing to design, maintain, construct, and operate their facilities in compliance with federal and state accessibility standards. It cites specific provisions under Title III of the ADA which require public accommodations to remove architectural barriers where readily achievable or provide alternative methods if not feasible. Additionally, Chapman asserts that these failures constitute violations of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act which guarantees equal access for individuals with disabilities.
Chapman seeks various forms of relief from the court including permanent injunctive relief compelling defendants to remove all existing architectural barriers within 90 days or as determined by the court. He also requests regular Certified Access Specialist inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with ADA standards along with policy modifications and employee training on accessibility requirements.
Represented by attorneys Amanda Seabock and Sara Johnson from Seabock Price APC law firm based in Pasadena, Chapman is also seeking actual damages subject to proof under state law as well as treble damages or statutory minimums for each instance he was denied full access due to noncompliance at Sam’s Classic Burgers location.
The case is presided over by judges at Sacramento County Superior Court under Case Number: 2 S03 Oo] Get with electronic service requests being handled through email addresses provided by plaintiff’s counsel.
Source: 25CV028184_Byron_Chapman_v_Cynthia_Mccray_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento.pdf
