A North Carolina eatery is at the center of a heated discussion after implementing a ban on children under five, which has resulted in both backlash and a noticeable uptick in reservations. Caruso’s, an upscale Italian restaurant in Mooresville, made this contentious decision in January following several incidents involving disruptive young patrons. The final straw came when a young girl, engrossed in her iPad, was allowed to keep the volume blaring despite multiple requests from the staff to turn it down. After asking the family to leave, the owner decided to ban all children under five from the premises.
“They were upset, but it was clear they didn’t consider the impact on the other diners,” said Marco Johnson, the restaurant’s manager, while speaking to the local press. “Our priority is to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all our customers, and unfortunately, we can’t dictate how parents manage their children.”
As is expected, the new policy has sparked a mix of opinions among diners and parents. Some criticize the restaurant for its exclusionary approach, while others commend the establishment for prioritizing a peaceful atmosphere. Regardless of the differing viewpoints, Johnson noted that the restaurant has seen a significant rise in business, jumping from around 50 diners a day to approximately 80.
Caruso’s is not alone in navigating the ongoing debate over family-friendly dining. Other establishments have taken similar stances; for example, a restaurant in Australia banned children under seven after a particularly loud baby disrupted the peace. In Houston, a restaurant named Cuchara banned kids altogether after a child caused $1,500 in damages. Meanwhile, a venue at Monterrey’s Fisherman’s Wharf became the talk of the town when it posted a sign prohibiting strollers, high chairs, and loud children.
The trend of no-kids policies is unsurprising. Diners often seek a relaxing experience free from the chaos that can come with young children. Adults simply want to enjoy their meals without the distractions of misbehaving kids, while parents hope to savor their food before it goes cold—without constant reminders to coax their toddlers to take a few more bites.
Yet, it’s essential to recognize that while children can be noisy, adults can also contribute to the disruption—whether it’s parents who overlook their kids’ unruly behavior or other diners who complain excessively. After facing financial losses and customer complaints due to disruptive children throwing food and running around, the owner of Caruso’s made the tough choice to implement the no-kids rule. “I had numerous customers walk out because of unruly kids, and it just didn’t feel like Caruso’s anymore,” he stated.
Pasquale Caruso, the restaurant owner and a father of two, clarified that his decision is not rooted in a disdain for children but rather in a desire to cultivate a certain ambiance within the restaurant. “I aim to create an elegant environment where couples and friends can enjoy a lovely evening,” he explained.
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In summary, while the no-kids policy at Caruso’s has ignited a firestorm of opinions, it appears to have positively impacted business, allowing the restaurant to maintain its desired atmosphere.