No kids allowed? Fine with me.
Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 12:04AM 
There's tons of talk online about restaurants banning children. I say go for it. You might find this odd for someone that encourages businesses to be family-friendly. I also believe that you cannot be all things to all people. You need to know your target audience and cater to them. If your clientele are couples out for a nice dinner out, then cater to them.
This "no kids allowed" movement is a good thing. Not only does it create venues that are guaranteed to be relaxing but it opens the door for other businesses to really own the family-friendly restaurant. I have heard of such places in other cities and I yearn for a hip eatery in my city that also is geared toward children. A funky place you can go and enjoy a quality meal, sip a nice glass of wine while your children are entertained with play areas and distractions. If I had $500,000+ right now I'd probably open one.
This brings me to a long overdue list of ideas to create a family-friendly business. Some of these may apply to your business:
- Distractions: things that will entertain the kids while on the premises. It might be an activity, games, TV screens, play areas, mini shopping carts. I've bought new tile while my kids played in a playroom at a decorators showroom, and I have bought more groceries becuase my kids had a fun shopping cart to involve them in the process. Just remember, happy kids = happy Mom. Happy Mom = ability to spend more money.
- Rewards: it's always nice to offer kids a little treat. Whether it's a cookie club, candy or small toy. McDonald's was built on the Happy Meal and it's all about the toy! My kids remember the rewards and ask to go to those places. Even our Natropath gave dollar store toys out at the end of the appointment and when she moved away, our children were not happy about the new doctor becuase he doesnt give out toys.
- Amenitites: there are some basic things that families need when they are out shopping. The most important is a BATHROOM! Allow the public to use your bathroom. Make sure everthing is reachable by little children. And for $#$% sakes have a change table for parents to change baby's diapers. Both in the Men's and Women's washrooms. Oh and a sealed diaper pail will keep the washroom smelling just fine. Stocking "emergency" or complimentary wipes, diapers and baby food will also go a looooonnnng way. Another feature that many businesses forget is catering to nursing Moms. Providing a comfortable chair in a quiet spot is MUCH appreciated, even if it's in the washroom.
- Store Layout: it seems like a no brainer, but you need to allow room for strollers in the aisles and also a ramp for wheel chair and stroller access. Without a word of a lie, I have visited a children's toy store and also a children's furniture retailer that had stairs going up to the entrance. Yep. Had to have hubby carry the stroller up. if I was alone, I would have turned around and left that day.
I could go on forever, but you get the picture. This no kids allowed movement may cause a bit of tension for us parents but in the long run it will create a demand for family-friendly places, which is good news in my books.