Fast Food Restaurant Takes Down Sign About Only Allowing ‘Well Behaved’ Kids To Eat There After Backlash From Parents

Oct 09, 2023

Many will agree that raising kids is not easy, especially in their formative years. While it can be quite difficult for parents to handle, sometimes kids’ social misconduct in gatherings could make others uncomfortable as well. At this point, it is left to parents to curb such issues. An Arby's in Minnesota tried addressing this issue, albeit in a way that sparked controversy. 

The outlet posted a sign at the entrance that addressed children. However, not everyone was on board with it. On Oct. 6, 2019, Christine Hemsworth, a customer of the local fast-food chain, visited with her three kids. Upon seeing the sign, her thoughts about the establishment changed. 

Speaking to Today in November of the same year, the mom revealed how she felt. Hemsworth recalled how she took her three kids, including a toddler, to grab a bite from the Arby's located in the neighboring town of Elk River. On entering the meaty sandwich chain, she spotted a shocking sign. It read:

"Only well behaved Children who can keep their food on their trays and their bottoms on their seats are welcome. If you can't do this you will be asked to leave." 

This made Hemsworth nervous about eating there with her kids because of her 2-year-old toddler. She shared with KARE 11:

"I was like 'oh gosh.' I've got a two-year-old with me and he doesn't always keep his fries on the tray or his bottom on the seat. He sometimes stands up."

Hemsworth had a coupon for a family meal, so she decided her family would eat there as planned. She was not asked to leave, but she still felt uneasy. Hemsworth shared, "It was kind of uncomfortable in the restaurant the time we were there." 

The concerned mom told Today that she tried reaching out to the establishment via the hotline, but it was an automated survey. She added that she was not a complainer, but "the manager could have addressed the message to people individually," not generally. 

Hemsworth took her experience to Facebook that night but had to delete it the next morning because it got some negative comments. At this point, she shared the story with KARE 11, and the station reposted it on Facebook. The post sparked a lot of debate and criticism from parents. Some people were in support of Arby's actions as one wrote: "I wish more places did this. Maybe parents will get the hint and discipline their kids." 

Another person penned, "No they need not be punished, good for them, people go out to enjoy a nice meal in peace, be respectful of others around you, doesn't matter if its fast food or up scale restaurant…"

However, others blasted the fast-food chain for putting up such a sign since it was not a five-star restaurant. Some parents mentioned how they took their children to restaurants to teach them table etiquette. One person wrote: "Yep. When I want to have a pleasant and quiet sit down meal with my family, I immediately consider Arby's."

Hemsworth told Today that it was not only a matter of controlling the kids but "a matter of redirecting them."

Arby's spokesperson, Brad Simon, later addressed the criticisms, noting that although the sign was "very poorly worded," it was not directed at young children but at certain teenagers. Arby's also issued an official statement that read, "We recognize the language on the sign was insensitive. " They stated that the sign was removed since it did not reflect the company's value of being family-friendly. 

What are your thoughts on kids’ conduct in public places? Do you think Arby’s handled the situation appropriately? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to others.