A Chinese restaurant in Foster City, California, has become the subject of widespread online discussion due to its stringent policies regarding children's behavior and financial accountability for damages.
Chez Xue, an upscale eatery in the Bay Area, has implemented rules warning diners that the establishment is "not a playground." The policy states, "Please ensure children remain seated at all times and respectful of fellow guests and the dining environment." It further elaborates that "Running around, shouting, making noise with utensils, etc will not be tolerated" and that "parents will be held financially liable for all damage caused by their children to restaurant property."
Those who do not adhere to these rules may be asked to leave. The restaurant's website details recent incidents, including one in early 2025 where a child reportedly shattered a credit card machine screen, resulting in a bill of $327.03 for the parents. In another instance, a family was charged over $109 after a child allegedly carved designs into a table with a utensil. A more minor incident in January involved a $5.47 charge for a shattered teacup.
Restaurant owner You You Xue defended the policy, telling People that the "standard of behavior has kind of fallen off a cliff." He cited repeated observations of children running loose in the dining room, shouting, and in one case, parents changing diapers at dining tables. Xue stated, "We don’t tolerate disruptive behavior, and we are going to hold guests responsible when their children are acting up and are deliberately destroying restaurant property."
He emphasized that the policy aims to create a welcoming environment for all guests, preventing disruptive behavior from impacting other diners' meals. According to Xue, the number of disruptive incidents has significantly decreased since the policy's introduction.
The policy gained viral attention when it was reshared on social media platforms, prompting a divided reaction. While some social media users supported the restaurant's stance, arguing that parents are responsible for their children's behavior in public spaces, others felt that charging for minor breakages, such as a teacup, might be excessive.
Chez Xue is known for dishes such as shredded cilantro beef, 'godfather's noodles,' scallion noodles, shredded pork with garlic, and orange chicken. The restaurant also operates on a non-tipping model, automatically adding an 18 percent service charge for dine-in customers.