What Happened to Child Friendly?

We went out for a family lunch to a fairly well known chain (Hillstones/Houstons) this past weekend. We had been there countless times before because the food is good and the service is dependable as well.

However, this past visit will be our last. The restaurant had a fair number of children in addition to our son. However they have become anti-family friendly. They did not deny us entrance or a meal, but they made it far more difficult for our son to enjoy his meal. They removed all high chairs. They removed all booster seats. They removed crayons and paper that they used to offer as well. When asked about it the hostess could not have been more rude if she tried.

This kind of behavior is simply unacceptable. If you do not want children in your restaurant, then be upfront about it. Do not put yourself out as a family friendly place. If you allow families and children, then provide the proper accommodations. There are many other places where I can spend my hard earned money and enjoy time with my family.

Our son is quite well behaved. If he was not well behaved he would not come with us. We understand how other patrons feel about noisy and cranky children. But if you are in a family friendly restaurant you have to accept it or go somewhere else. There are many options.

We now have one less choice to make - we will not be patrons at Hillstones/Houstons again. It is not worth it. We recommend you carefully consider the places you bring your children and see how they cater to them.