Arby's said sorry on behalf of one of its its restaurants that posted a sign saying only "well-behaved" children were welcome. (Photo: AP)
Children are not known for their table manners.
Still, a Minnesota Arby’s warned that kids who did not “keep their food on their trays” and “bottoms on their seats” would be asked to leave.
Only “well-behaved” children were welcome on a sign spotted by a mother-of-five, whose photo of it on Facebook spread among friends, and eventually a local news station. Christine Hemsworth saw the sign on the door at the Elk River, Minn. location and was worried her 2-year-old would violate the rules, but she had a coupon, she told the “Today” show.
“I’m not a complainer — I’m really not,” Hemsworth told the media outlet. “But this just didn’t sit well with me. The manager could have addressed the message to people individually, not assigned it to the general public.”
Arby’s later apologized.
The sign 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. Thanks!”
Kids in restaurants?
Hemsworth shared her story with local TV news station Kare 11, which posted the story on its Facebook page. Not everyone was sympathetic to the mom, who said it was an “uncomfortable” and “stressful” meal because sometimes her toddler son stands up.
“I love it. It you can’t control your kids then don’t take them to places they can disturb others,” wrote Facebook user Nicole Hunstad. “My son is Autistic and he has had a meltdown or two while out, but I always take him out to the car/ hallway.”
“In my opinion I stand with the restaurant. It’s not a playground,” wrote Facebook user Jeff Conkling.
Other users said the restaurant needed to lighten up since it wasn’t a five-star restaurant.
“How are children ever supposed to learn how to behave in restaurants, movie theatres, etc if they are never allowed in these places,” wrote Facebook user Sam Cornforth.
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Arby’s apologizes for ‘insensitive’ sign
The national fast-food chain, known for its slogan, “We have the meats,” issued an apology this month after learning about the restaurant’s sign.
“We recognize the language on this sign was insensitive,” Arby’s told USA TODAY in a statement. “We removed it quickly, and have disciplined the manager and team working at the restaurant. It does not reflect our company values and the family-friendly environment we aim to provide in all of our restaurants.”
Others commented on social media that the issue at this Arby’s location and surrounding businesses is not with small children, but with unruly teenagers.
“The sign was poorly worded, but reflects an ongoing problem in this part of Elk River,” wrote Facebook user Anne Marie Larson, noting that this mom who flagged the sign may not be aware of the area. “There is a small group of middle and high school students who do nothing more than harass people trying to shop, drive and eat in the area of that Arby’s.”
“This is high schoolers after they get out of high school because it is right there they go there and terrorize the entire area,” added Facebook user Shawn Bulger.
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