Northern California

Popular Bay Area Burger Joint Closes After 38 Years Following ADA Lawsuit

An expert said the building had barriers for disabled customers. The owner said adding a wheelchair ramp was too costly.
Popular Bay Area Burger Joint Closes After 38 Years Following ADA Lawsuit
The Great American Hamburger and Pie Co. on Richmond Avenue in Richmond, Calif., in June 2022. Google Maps/Screenshot via California Insider
Jill McLaughlin
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A popular San Francisco Bay Area mom-and-pop burger joint is closing after nearly 40 years after it was targeted in a lawsuit claiming the building didn’t comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

On April 11, owners George and Helen Koliavas announced the closing of Great American Hamburger and Pie Co., located in Richmond about 20 miles north of San Francisco in the East Bay.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.