City BBQ

Very glad to hear of your new policy. We haven't been back to the Centerville location for awhile because our last two meals were not enjoyable due to the 2-3 dozen middle schoolers hanging out. It is not your responsibility to be a babysitter for these kids. While they weren't misbehaving, there were far too many and the noise volume unacceptable. If they need a place to socialize until their parents get off work, why don't they go up to Rec West?.

If you live in Centerville these kids could have been yours.

Two boys, age 13, entered City BBQ and each ordered fries, they paid and sat down at a table. After pouring some ketchup, a man appeared at their table and told them they would have to leave. Not only was it very cold outside, they had no idea why they were being kicked out. They were not unruly, they were not messy or rude, they just wanted to eat the fries they purchased just like any other customer.

One of the boys’ mother called the restaurant to find out why the boys had been asked to leave. Casey, a manager, told the mother, “That is our policy, no unsupervised children in the restaurant.” The mother replied, “So you will sell them food but not allow them to use a table?” “That is our policy” replied Casey.
The mother continued to question the manager about whether Casey could guarantee the boys were told of the policy and where the policy was posted. The manager stated that all of the employees were aware of the policy, whether they relayed that information to the boys she did not know and that they were a family owned business so the policy did not have to be posted. The mother requested that City BBQ’s policy be posted so it would be clear to everyone what their policy for service was and that they return the boys’ money. Casey agreed.

Three teens entered City BBQ and were told of this policy. One boy said that it was ok because he was 18 and he had his license with him. They were told they would still need to leave after they purchased their food. They left before they purchased food. Apparently City BBQ does not consider someone 18 an adult even if the law states that he is.

Many children are being treated this way. This reporter has never heard of any exclusion from the rules of common courtesy based on an establishment being family owned. In fact, the claim that this City BBQ is family owned has no bearing whatsoever on the glaring injustice that befell these and many other children that frequent the restaurants after school. How does a business that depends on public support to stay in business justify denying the use of a table to anyone who has not proven to be unworthy? These two boys each bought a menu item with the expectation that they would be able to eat at a table. They had not been made aware of “the policy” and in fact were quite embarrassed and confused when they were asked to leave.

Exactly what is City BBQ’s policy? No one really knows. I went in to City BBQ nine days after the event to check things out. There was no policy posted. I asked to see Casey and she was not there. I asked for the manager on duty and one of the employees went to get him. While I waited I inquired about the policy concerning children. They all looked rather bewildered, one said she was “kinda” aware of the policy, one shrugged and said he was not. The third replied that he knew of the policy but could not recite it and when I questioned him further he did not know what ages it applied to. The general manager Bryce appeared. He told me he was unaware of the situation. I asked specifically what their policy was. The only thing he could tell me was that on Fridays, no children were allowed to eat in the restaurant unless they were with a parent. I asked him what constituted a child and he was unable to answer. I tried to express to him my concern over the lack of consistency, the uneducated staff and their willingness to pass the buck as opposed to dealing with the children that created the situation to begin with. He was unwilling to discuss my concerns and was simply intent on defending the restaurant’s position. It remains unclear whether any policy will be posted.

Any consumer, no matter their age has a right to know what to expect when they enter an establishment to spend their money. No business should be allowed to take kid’s money and then deny them a seat. Ban them completely, set a minimum purchase, I don’t care what the policy is but make it clear, post it on the door, educate your staff and be consistent. Allowing children in the restaurant and then taking their money knowing they will be kicked out as soon as they pay is wrong.

This manager from City BBQ stated that Graters and Panera have the same policy. Both restaurants deny that this is their policy. Graters states that they will ask anyone who has not purchased food to leave. Both Grater’s and Panera will ask unruly children to leave. Panera actually brings in extra staff, just to maintain the facility, for the massive amount of children that come in after school on Fridays.