Imagine enjoying a peaceful dinner after a long, tiring day, only for a child to start throwing a tantrum or darting around the restaurant while the parents remain oblivious to the chaos. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
Well, the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, nestled by the serene Toccoa River in Georgia, is taking a bold stance against disruptive behavior. The beloved local spot has introduced a fee for “adults who can’t control their kids,” with a notice proudly displayed at the bottom of their menu.
As you might imagine, the restaurant’s policy hasn’t sat well with many parents.
While the menu doesn’t specify an exact amount for the “bad parenting” fee, several Google reviews suggest the charge is typically around $50. One frustrated diner shared, “I was told by the owner that a $50 fee was being added to my bill because of my children’s behavior. But they were quietly watching a tablet until the food arrived, ate their meals, and then my wife took them outside while I paid. The whole experience was really disappointing.”
Another reviewer issued a strong warning: “If you’re dining with kids, avoid this place. The owner was extremely rude and created a scene in front of everyone, claiming our children were ‘running through the restaurant’—when they were just by the river. He even told us to ‘go to Burger King or Walmart’ and called us bad parents.”
In response to the backlash, Tim Richter, the owner of Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, explained that the policy was introduced a couple of years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was sparked by an incident involving a family with nine children whose unruly behavior disrupted the entire restaurant. While he didn’t charge them at the time, he did issue a warning. “We expect parents to take responsibility,” Richter said.
Reactions to the restaurant’s controversial policy are mixed.
Laura Spillman expressed her disapproval, saying, “That’s insane. Seriously? I don’t think it’s a good idea because kids are adorable.” In contrast, Anne Cox supported the idea, suggesting that a potential fee might serve as a helpful reminder for parents to be more mindful of their children’s behavior.
So, where do you stand on this debate?
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