Foster City restaurant policy on kids sparks online debate

Owner You You Xue, a Millbrae resident, says he wasn’t expecting the debate, but believes Chez Xue started “good conversation” around the way children are expected to behave in public spaces. An X post about the policy from user @Raymmar racked up 1.6 million views, for example, and a Nextdoor post generated 145 comments with various opinions. 

Xue wants to assure customers that the policy isn’t meant to punish mistakes, but set a precedent for the dining experience at Chez Xue for all customers that doesn’t include children screaming or running amok. The $5 charge for the broken cup, for example, happened after kids were running laps around the booth seating. 

“I want to reassure people we don’t charge people for things unless it was caused as a direct result of disorderly behavior,” he said. “It’s not about $5, it’s a matter of principle. I’m not short $5. For us, it’s about respecting the restaurant, respecting other guests.”  

The majority of internet users posting their opinions on the policy have been supportive, Xue said. On Nextdoor, for example, a user from Pacifica posted that “restaurants are not parks or playgrounds. It’s also inconsiderate to other patrons to allow your children to be disruptively running around or out of control.” 

Some, however, posted that they felt the language of the policy — which reads, “Please ensure children remain seated at all times and [are] respectful of fellow guests and the dining environment. Running around, shouting, making noise with utensils, etc. will not be tolerated!” — was rude, and children naturally make noise. 

While Xue acknowledged that it’s “a bit unvarnished,” he said it’s been an overall net positive for the restaurant, and he’s noticed parents using the policy as a way to get their kids to behave. 

“Let’s say some kid is acting up — I hear the parent read this to their kids,” he said. “I’m glad it’s a reminder for parents. … I hope it’s an overall positive.” 

This isn’t the first time Xue has made headlines in the restaurant space. He mounted a prolific series of lawsuits against Bay Area restaurants he said were charging exorbitant and unlawful “mandatory” fees on top of customers’ regular bills, a move that also generated public controversy and debate. 

“I’m really protective of the idea of going out to a restaurant. That’s what inspired me to do a lot of the things I do,” he said. “First, when you go to a restaurant, you spend that much money, the last thing you want is a kid screaming in your ear. The second thing you don’t want is getting scammed.”