Nick Love
We've all been there. You're sitting down for a bite to eat at one of your favorite restaurants and in the booth behind you is a family with a few, shall we say, "active" children in tow. They're crying, they're screaming, they're running around. One of them is grabbing your shirt or playing with your hair. One of the cuter ones has actually made his/her way over to YOUR table and either stolen your silverware or knocked over your drink. It's infuriating!!! But, you can only be so mad at the kids. It's the PARENTS who you REALLY wanna take a swing at, right??
Well, apparently, there's been some issues over the years at Grant Central Pizza and Pasta (451 Cherokee Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312) in East Atlanta with "active" kids and they made national news over the last few days with their solution. With regards to crying babies, GCP offered this statement on Facebook
Dear all present and future patrons: GCP is proud of its reputation as a family restaurant, a title that we will work to keep. However, a number of our diners have posted unpleasant experiences because of crying and unsupervised children. To ensure that all diners have an enjoyable lunch or dinner with us, we respectfully ask that parents tend to their crying tots outside
Now, personally, I didn't see anything wrong with this. I actually think they've gone a little further and said some things that might have REALLY offended some of their customers. Lol. However, I realize that pissing off your customers can be bad for business. But, on the flip side, I have 2 daughters (Kaya - 9, Kendall - 6) and I remember being extra mindful when I was out with them when they were younger and we were out to eat. Mainly because I didn't want to reinforce the image of the "careless black family with the loud ghetto kids". Might sound funny but honestly, that's REALLY what it was. And, we ALL know the stereotype of the white parents who let their kids get away with murder at pretty much any public place. We joke about it but we all know that, at its' core, its VERY annoying and unnerving. I just think parents need to be parents at the end of the day. Sadly, it sometimes takes a rule or policy to force people to make the necessary adjustments.
So, my question to you guys is simple - Do you think Grant Central Pizza is right or justified in issuing this statement to their patrons?? If so, why?? If not, why?? Leave your comments below!
I might go over there today and buy a pizza just to support them.
Happy Eating!
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