An Ohio Chick-fil-A has sparked outrage after sharing a controversial rule regarding teenage customers just before the start of the school year.
The location of the popular chicken chain in Kettering, Ohio posted a statement about its divisive ‘Teen Chaperone Policy’ on Facebook on Wednesday.
‘With school starting, we wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of our Teen Chaperone Policy,’ the business wrote.
‘We are grateful for your support and want to make sure Chick-fil-A Kettering is a safe and enjoyable place for everyone!’
According to the notice, customers who are 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by someone over 21 years old to dine in at the restaurant.
‘Unaccompanied minors may be asked to leave,’ the message reads.
This post triggered an uproar from Chick-fil-A fans who found this policy unnecessary and unfair to well-behaved minors.
‘Pretty sad that the good kids are getting punished,’ one woman commented.
An Ohio Chick-fil-A sparked controversy by sharing its ‘Teen Chaperone Policy’ on Facebook (file photo)
The Kettering location (pictured) of the popular chicken chain posted a statement about its divisive ‘Teen Chaperone Policy’ on Facebook on Wednesday
‘How about instead of a chaperone policy, they say that they have the right to remove anybody from their property that is being disruptive?’
In response to her concern, the Kettering Chick-fil-A commented that they privately messaged her.
Meanwhile, many people agreed with her feelings. One mother mentioned that her son and his friends were excited about eating there after school.
‘I also absolutely agree if someone is being disruptive they should be asked to leave,’ she added.
Another user commented that the store would lose significant earnings before and after games. She also described the decision to restrict unaccompanied minors from dining at the restaurant as a ‘big mistake.’
Although the enforcement of the policy upset many, particularly parents of ‘well-behaved’ teenagers, some people supported the restaurant’s decision.
‘A lot of places are moving into this direction because your kids are unruly and disrespectful,’ one woman bluntly wrote.
‘The teachers keep telling you. The coaches keep telling you. The librarians keep telling you. Law enforcement keeps telling you.’
The message shared on Wednesday (pictured) states no minors can dine in at the restaurant without someone 21 or older.
Another commenter said she understood the policy because of her own experiences dealing with disrespectful teenagers.
‘When I worked at a restaurant in downtown Centerville teens would come in every Friday and DESTROY our business by the hundreds,’ she wrote.
‘Some of the kids were fine but the bunch that were out of line were wild and ruined it for everyone.’
‘Everyone acts like this is the only company doing this when it’s not,’ one man added, rattling off local shopping plazas that have similar policies.
A Chick-fil-A spokesperson explained the policy to Fox Business, saying that every location has its own unique set of rules.
A source explained, ‘Chick-fil-A restaurants are individually owned and managed. This specific location has adopted a policy that aligns with the shopping center it is part of.’
The Chick-fil-A in Kettering is situated in front of the Town and Country Shopping Center, which introduced a ‘Teen Chaperone Policy’ in January 2022, as per a Facebook announcement.
‘Anyone under the age of 18 visiting Town and Country Shopping Center must be accompanied by an adult,’ it states.
Chick-fil-A said in a statement that every location makes its own policies (file photo)
Other Chick-fil-A branches, like the one in Royersford, Pennsylvania, adopted a similar rule in February 2023 according to a statement on Facebook.
In its detailed message, the Royersford location explained why the policy was long overdue.
The restaurant claimed that unaccompanied teens and children were being too loud, not throwing away their food, disrespecting the workers, and walking through drive-thru lanes.
‘As you can imagine, this is not a pleasant experience. We want to provide a comfortable and safe environment for our guests and our staff, and also to protect our building,’ The Royersford business wrote.
‘Therefore, we cannot allow this to continue. As a result, to dine in our restaurant, anyone under the age of 16 is required to be accompanied by an adult.’
