Ashley Bahena, a visually-impaired individual, has filed a class action lawsuit against Kahala Franchising, LLC, alleging that the company’s website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired individuals. The complaint was filed on February 3, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Bahena claims that the website’s design violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying her and others like her equal access to goods and services offered online.
The lawsuit highlights several barriers that prevent visually-impaired users from accessing Kahala Franchising’s website. According to Bahena, these barriers include inaccurate landmark structures, inadequate focus order, and unclear labels for interactive elements. The lack of accessibility features such as alternative text for images and keyboard navigation options makes it impossible for screen-reader users to complete transactions independently. Bahena argues that despite the availability of accessible technology used by other retail websites, Kahala Franchising has failed to implement necessary accommodations.
Bahena recounts her personal experience with the website on October 27, 2025, when she attempted to order cheesesteaks but was unable to complete the transaction due to accessibility issues. She emphasizes that this exclusion from participating in online commerce is particularly detrimental as visually-impaired individuals often rely more heavily on digital platforms due to mobility-related challenges. The complaint asserts that this failure constitutes discrimination under both state and federal law.
In seeking legal redress, Bahena requests a permanent injunction requiring Kahala Franchising to modify its website policies and practices to ensure accessibility for blind and visually-impaired consumers. Additionally, she seeks compensatory damages for herself and other class members who have faced similar discrimination. The case also calls for declaratory relief recognizing the company’s non-compliance with ADA standards.
Representing Ashley Bahena in this case is attorney Alison Chan from Equal Access Law Group, PLLC. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:26-cv-1211 in front of judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Source: 126cv01211_Ashley_Bahena_v_Kahala_Franchising_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois .pdf
