Upscale eatery Arby's is catching heat this week over an "insensitive" sign directed at kids who, well, act like kids.
The message, which was posted at a Minnesota Arby's location, read: "Only well behaved Children who can keep their food on their trays and their bottoms on their seats are welcome. If you can’t do this you will be asked to leave."
The sign left at least one mother feeling both shocked and uncomfortable, as she feared her toddler would potentially break the rules.
"I was like 'oh gosh,'" mother of five Christine Hemsworth told KARE11. "I've got a 2-year-old with me and he doesn't always keep his fries on the tray or his bottom on the seat. He sometimes stands up."
Despite her uneasiness, Hemsworth decided to go into the fast-food joint with her two sons and a daughter. She told the outlet she and her family finished their meal without any problems with the staff; however, she admitted her experience was stressful.
"It was kind of uncomfortable in the restaurant the time we were there," Hemsworth explained. "I have a toddler. I wasn't sure if it was because they didn't want to clean up messes. I always clean up my children's mess anyways but it was an uncomfortable and stressful meal."
A Photo of the Arby's sign—posted at an Elk River location—has garnered mixed reactions on social media:
Arby's issued an apology for the sign, confirming it has taken disciplinary action against the location's managers and team.
"We recognize the language on this sign was insensitive. We removed it quickly, and have disciplined the manager and team working at the restaurant," Arby's said in a statement to KARE11. "It does not reflect our company values and the family-friendly environment we aim to provide in all of our restaurants."