Ricciardi’s explains presence of Service Animal in restaurant

To the Editor:

This is in response to a Letter to the Editor in regards to a guest witnessing a service animal in my restaurant.

The animal in question was a permitted Service Animal and the owner did present management with proper documentation. I feel that your posting of the letter without any additional information (ADA laws, Ricciardi’s policy on service animals, etc.) was unfair and irresponsible. The ADA law is clear that we must accommodate guests with special needs without judgement. 

Ricciardi’s policy on service animals: We do not discriminate against guests with service animals (this includes the vision impaired, psychiatric purposes, and PTSD service dogs). Once the owner provides us with the proper documentation, we must accommodate them as any other customer without judgement. We do not allow the service dogs to eat. If we see this happen, we immediately intervene. Service dogs are not allowed on the table. They must remain on the floor or in their carriers (including strollers) at all times.

Joe Liguori
Ricciardi’s Italian Table