Chez Hue, a Chinese restaurant in Foster City, California, has gained widespread attention for its strict policy regarding children's behavior. The policy, displayed on the restaurant's digital menu, warns parents that they will be held financially liable for any damages caused by their children. The warning begins: 'Chez Xue is a family-friendly restaurant. However, we are not a playground.' It instructs parents to ensure children 'remain seated' and be respectful, adding that 'running around, shouting, making noise with utensils, etc. WILL NOT BE TOLERATE!'
Fines for Damages
According to a post on X, the policy has been enforced with specific fines. In April 2025, a parent was charged $327.03 after a child dropped and damaged a credit card reader. In December 2025, a $109.38 fine was issued after a child carved designs into a tabletop. Owner You You Xue told SFGate that parents are not charged for accidental breaks, but fees apply when a child behaves recklessly.
Owner's Response
Xue expressed surprise at the viral reaction but noted the supportive comments. 'Dining out is expensive these days, so I know that the last thing people want is to spend money going out, then having that moment ruined by a loud child at the other table, who can't be controlled by their own parents,' he said. He added on X: 'We are in the business of selling food. We should not have to parent other people's children, but we've unfortunately been forced to do that.' Xue clarified that he does not blame the children, but staff have witnessed everything from diaper changes in the dining room to children running laps. He reported that bad behavior has dropped 'precipitously' since the warning was added.
Public Support
The policy has garnered significant support online. One commenter wrote: 'If your kids are smashing credit card machines and carving things into furniture, they don't belong in restaurants. End of conversation.' Another stated: 'Rule of parenting: you remove your children from public spaces when they are not acting civilized. Restaurant rule for children: if they are old enough to be free of high chair, they can understand they have to remain seated and not touch things.' The comment concluded: 'Society should have standards.'
Background
Chez Xue's sister restaurant, Wonderful in Millbrae, California, was recognized in the 2021 Michelin Guide. Xue emphasized that the message is about respect, not fines. 'In my opinion, the message is not controversial,' he told SFGate. 'I think some other restaurants would find this message to be too direct or unpolished … but at the end of the day, I would be saying this message one way or another to my customers, either verbally or in writing.' He added on X: 'Most restaurants would never post such a blunt message, so I am glad that ours has at least sparked some dialogue about a serious issue many family-friendly restaurants deal with on a daily basis.'
