Following severe storms, thousands in Metro Detroit are left without power as utility crews work to restore electricity. Meanwhile, Leslie Bower, a woman with lactose intolerance, is suing Biggby Coffee for what she claims is an excessive surcharge for non-dairy milk substitutes. Filed in the U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, the lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages, arguing the surcharge violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Bower, who has been advised by a physician to avoid dairy, alleges that Biggby charges between 50 cents to $1 extra for non-dairy alternatives like oat milk, while other companies do not. The lawsuit also points out that Biggby makes other beverage modifications, such as using sugar-free sweeteners for diabetic customers, at no extra cost. Bower claims the company's actions are discriminatory, malicious, and intentional. Biggby Coffee, headquartered in East Lansing, operates over 350 stores nationwide with more than 140 additional stores in development.
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