I’m the parent of two boys who are now 15 and 12. We’ve been well beyond the misbehaving at restaurants phase for many years. And while I sympathize with parents of young children, I’m in full agreement with this business owner that not all restaurants need to be family- or kid-friendly.
From a marketing perspective, he needs to set his restaurant apart from all the other options. And let’s face it. If you’re having a quiet date night with your significant other at an upscale establishment, the last distraction you want is screams from an unhappy two-year old. He’s catering to his primary target audience, listening to the voice of the customer. He doesn’t need to make everyone happy – especially those that may never frequent his business anyhow. He’s in business to make money. And he’s made a smart decision on how to do that best in his market. He may have even discovered a whole new customer base in the process.
How do you feel about a business growing its business by actually refusing a specific customer type?
Jolynn, I’m with you 100% on this. A business owner and specifically a restauranteur offers a product or service that the market may choose to accept or reject. A meal at a restaurant is an experience and the business owner is responsible for crafting that experience by selecting menu options, decor and atmosphere. So happy to see someone think about the rights of their paying customers who plan an evening out in a nice restaurant. If an adult started screaming and interrupting everyone would that be tolerated? I doubt it.
Great point about adults screaming, Courtney!
Businesses do it all the time. It’s called ‘goals’. We reach for our prime targets and strive to earn their business. The casualties are those who aren’t our business type whom we politely decline or simply arent ‘able to meet’ their ‘needs’. This restauranteur had to spell it out, while most of us dont. So he gets scrutinized and the rest of us get to duck under the radar. I agree with him wholeheartedly. As a matter of fact, I would frequent his restaurant not just to support him, but to enjoy the atmosphere he’s created. I am a parent as well. I understand the challenge of boisterous toddlers. But I’m also sage enough to understand my table’s affect on others. I’d still agree even if my child were still in diapers. Thanks for posting, Jolynn. Good discussions.