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One in four Americans lives with some degree of disability – whether that is the need for a wheelchair, limited sight or hearing, or limited range of motion. Yannick Benjamin is one of those Americans. And he also happens to be the co-owner of one of New York’s hottest new restaurants. Contento, located in East Harlem, opened on June 10th of 2021 in the midst of a global pandemic.
And the accolades have been pouring in. Both The New York Times and Eater have written extensive articles about the small restaurant. Yannick is one of the most respected sommeliers in the country and, due to an auto accident, uses a wheelchair to get around. The access (or lack thereof) that many of us take for granted can cause major obstacles for a diner like Yannick. So he knew when he opened his first restaurant that accessibility would be at the top of the list of priorities. And Contento takes accessibility very seriously. Every table, aisle, bar seat, piece of flatware, and wine glass has been carefully examined to ensure that NO ONE is left feeling like a burden – a sentiment often felt by those struggling with different needs.
And accessibility reaches far beyond physical needs. The restaurant is designed to welcome anyone from all walks of life. It’s a diverse neighborhood, and one that Yannick has called home for many years as he works with The Axis Project, Wheeling Forward, and Wine on Wheels (listen to our 2018 episode, Wheeling Forward with Yannick Benjamin for more details). To open an exclusive place would that panders to the elite would contradict the fabric of Yannick’s being.
He’s a busy man, and he’s becoming even busier. As the media writes their pieces, Yannick is increasingly becoming the voice of accessibility. And he’s happy to help. He invites anyone with questions to email him at yannick@contentonyc.com.
“Great men do not seek power; they have power thrust upon them.” – Klingon Proverb
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