Dragon Pizza in Somerville, Massachusetts, is at the center of a heated controversy following an incident where a family was asked to leave due to disruptive behavior, prompting widespread debate about parenting in public dining settings.
The incident took place on March 14, 2025, when Charlie Redd, the owner of the pizza shop, deemed the family’s actions unacceptable. Redd, known for his welcoming approach to families, took to social media to explain his decision. In a post shared on Instagram and Facebook, Redd reaffirmed his restaurant’s love for children while setting clear expectations for parents to ensure a positive dining experience.
“We love kids, anyone who has visited us knows that,” Redd wrote, but emphasized that the behavior of the group in question—described as “negligent parents”—was disruptive. He stated that the children were allowed to run around unsupervised, disturbing both staff and other guests. “Sadly, we had to ask a group of negligent parents to take their families home because they were disrespecting our dining room, other guests, and our team,” Redd said. “A restaurant is not a place for unsupervised children to play.”
Redd’s post outlined a set of guidelines for families dining at Dragon Pizza, which included:
- We welcome all children with open arms.
- We do not welcome parents who do not want to engage with their children during the dining experience.
- We enjoy sharing our games with children, but not when they are used as a form of babysitting.
- We believe our pizza is of the highest quality and should be respected.
- We do not appreciate parents treating our pizza as a cheap, quick meal for their children while ignoring them.
The response to Redd’s post was mixed, with some voicing strong support while others criticized his approach. One commenter questioned the notion of pizza being seen as a simple option for feeding kids, asking, “Why can’t parents give their kids pizza as a cheap, easy option?”
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of children in restaurants—spaces that are often considered family-friendly but are also frequented by adults seeking a certain level of decorum. Experts in child development note that while it is beneficial for children to experience diverse dining environments, managing their behavior in these settings can prove challenging for parents.
Etiquette expert Betsy Brown Braun commented on the dilemma, explaining that different parenting styles can lead to conflicting expectations in shared spaces. “It seems that parents prioritize what works for their family, often overlooking the impact on others in the environment,” she said. Redd’s experience highlights the tension between parents wanting to expose their children to restaurant dining and the challenge of maintaining control over excited, young diners.
Other establishments have weighed in on similar experiences. For example, Proclamation Ale Company, a Rhode Island brewery, previously reminded patrons that staff and games should not be used as substitutes for babysitting. This debate is part of a larger conversation about children’s behavior in public spaces and the responsibilities of their guardians.
Dragon Pizza, which Redd has owned since its opening six years ago, features a family-friendly space called Dragon’s Lair, equipped with arcade games like shuffleboard and pinball, designed specifically for children. As a parent himself, Redd created the space with families in mind, emphasizing his commitment to accommodating groups with children.
This marks the first time Redd has had to ask a family to leave, a decision he expressed regret over, though he stressed the importance of maintaining a dining environment that works for all guests. “No parent wants to be put in that position,” he said, reiterating his dedication to ensuring all diners have an enjoyable experience.
The controversy surrounding Redd’s decision comes on the heels of previous public attention, including a past altercation with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, which led to review fraud accusations. This latest incident raises questions about its potential impact on the business.
As the debate continues online, it raises important questions about balancing family-friendly dining with the need to respect the dining experience for all patrons. Redd’s situation serves as a reminder that both parents and restaurant owners share responsibility in maintaining an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy their meal.
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