A Chick-fil-A franchised store in Royersford, Penn., has banned children under the age of 16 from dining unaccompanied.
“We want to provide a comfortable and safe environment for our guests and our staff, and also to protect our building,” a Facebook post by management read. “Therefore, we cannot allow this to continue.”
The Facebook post cited the following issues: The volume of children’s voices, including lewd language; mistreatment of property; disrespect of employees; and unsafe behavior in and around the drive-thru and parking lot.
The unit detailed instances of children stealing decorations, throwing food and trash around and leaving it on the floor, and cursing at staff and ignoring them when they asked the children to leave.
There is a nearby bounce park, and according to the Facebook post, children often wander over to Chick-fil-A after being dropped off and exhibit “extreme behavior.”
Under the new rules, children under 16 may order food to go.
“Parents, we are not blaming you,” the Facebook post read. “Children and teens are learning to navigate the world free from supervision and often push the boundaries. We simply can’t let them push those boundaries anymore at our restaurant.”
Most of the comments on the franchisee’s Facebook post were positive, praising the restaurant for its decision and citing their own observations of teens and children misbehaving.
“Letting your cherubs run wild in society isn’t parenting, it’s neglect,” commented Facebook user Ann Margaret.
User Lisa Weaver commented, “I can tell this was well thought out. Your post is very well written. I don’t blame you for making this decision, however difficult it may be. Thanks for thinking about the families”.
