A lactose-intolerant woman named Leslie Bower is suing Michigan-based Biggby Coffee for what she claims is an "excessively high surcharge" on non-dairy milk alternatives. Bower, who experiences discomfort from dairy products, prefers oat milk and alleges that the surcharge, which ranges from 50 cents to $1, is discriminatory and violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The federal lawsuit, filed in Grand Rapids, accuses Biggby Coffee of unjust enrichment, arguing that the surcharge has significant financial impacts on consumers with lactose intolerance. The class action lawsuit further claims that Biggby has profited at least $50 million from these surcharges over several years. Despite attempts to reach Biggby corporate offices for comment, no response was received. The lawsuit highlights the broader issue of accessibility and fairness for individuals requiring non-dairy alternatives, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases in the future. Biggby Coffee operates around 400 stores in more than twelve states.
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