A restaurateur in the San Francisco Bay Area has implemented a policy that charges parents for damages caused by their children's disruptive behavior, a move that has gained significant attention online. You You Xue, who owns two restaurants, Chez Xue in Foster City and Wonderful in Millbrae, stated that he has levied financial penalties on parents whose children have damaged restaurant property.
According to a notice shared by the restaurant, patrons are instructed to "Please control your children." The advisory clarifies that while Chez Xue is family-friendly, it is "not a playground." Children are expected to remain seated, and activities such as running around or making excessive noise are not permitted. The policy explicitly states that parents will be held financially liable for any damage caused by their children to the restaurant's property.
Examples of charges include $327.03 for a damaged credit card reader screen, $109.38 for a table carved with utensils, and $5.37 for a broken teacup. Xue told SFGate that the policy is not applied for accidental breakages but was introduced due to an increase in unruly behavior observed in recent years. He cited instances of parents changing diapers in the dining room and children running laps through the establishment.
The policy has generated a strong reaction on social media platforms. Many commenters have applauded Xue's stance, with some criticizing the concept of "gentle parenting." Others have questioned the practice of charging for minor damages like a broken teacup.
Despite some skepticism, Xue reported that the restaurant has seen a significant decrease in misbehavior since the policy was publicized. He expressed satisfaction that the viral story has initiated a broader conversation about the challenges faced by restaurant owners and staff. Chez Xue is known for dishes such as its cilantro beef and green onion pancakes. Its sister restaurant, Wonderful, was recognized in the 2021 Michelin guide.