A Georgia restaurant has found itself in the middle of an online firestorm. The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant has been accused of slapping a $50 ‘poor parenting’ surcharge on a bill, sparking a fierce debate about parental responsibility and business ethics.

The controversy erupted when a couple, dining with four other families and their 11 children aged between three and eight, were astounded to find an extra $50 charge tacked onto their bill. The parents argue that their children were well-behaved throughout the meal, yet they were penalized for their kids’ alleged “loud” behavior.

Toccoa’s owner, Tim Richter, defended his decision, claiming that the children were “running around outside,” even though they were supervised by adults. In a shocking twist, the parents were reportedly told that they belonged at Burger King, not his establishment. This outrageous statement has only added fuel to the fire, causing an uproar amongst patrons and online commenters alike.

The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant is no stranger to controversy. Its menu includes a 20% surcharge for parties over six people, separate check requests, and orders from the birthday menu. There’s also a $3 fee for sharing food and a disclaimer stating that prices are for cash payments only, with card payments incurring an extra 3.5% charge.

However, the ‘Adult Surcharge’ has stolen the limelight. This fee, imposed on “adults unable to parent,” has left many stunned. Critics argue it’s a blatant attack on families, while others see it as a desperate plea for parental control in public places.

The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media. Some have lambasted the restaurant for its extreme measures, while others have surprisingly praised it for taking a stand against disruptive behavior.

Richter insists that he implemented the surcharge after the pandemic hit, and claims he never actually charged the family but merely gave them a warning. However, this statement contradicts the couple’s experience, who insist they were charged.

This incident has ignited a discussion about the delicate balance between maintaining a peaceful dining environment and accommodating families with young children. It serves as a stark reminder that businesses must navigate these situations with sensitivity and respect to avoid such public relations disasters.

While the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant may have intended to maintain a serene dining atmosphere, its execution has left a sour taste in many mouths. As the backlash continues to grow, it remains to be seen how this will impact the restaurant’s reputation and bottom line.