Cheers, jeers for restaurant banning kids under 18

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A new Virginia restaurant was the talk of the town even before it opened its doors to customers — and it's not the food that has everyone buzzing.

Instead, The Sushi Bar's claim to fame is its policy regarding the under-18 set — simply put, they're not allowed.

Ironically, the same person who owns two of the Del Rey neighborhood's most kid-friendly restaurants is the man behind the adults-only sushi joint. Owner Mike Anderson — a father himself — said it's not about hating on kids, it's more about giving parents — especially those of the "helicopter" variety — a place to reconnect.

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"They're always doing this and that with their kids, and we thought, they need a break," Anderson told TODAY. "Not so much a break from their kids, but adjoining kids."

The restaurant owner said the concept came to him after locals expressed interest in a kid-free dining zone.

"We ran it by some parents that had kids and I would say eight out of 10 thought it was a great idea," Anderson told the Washington Post. "They said, ‘You're on to something here.' "

The adults-only policy is making fans of some and creating critics in others. When the Del Rey Patch first broke news of the no-kid philosophy, the comment boards exploded to the point that administrators had to shut them down on the story.

The Sushi Bar's Facebook page has also blown up with comments from members of both camps.

Those in support of the restaurant's rule said it's a refreshing option for those looking to dine out it peace.

"I'm thrilled that there is finally an option for adults to go out and have a nice, quiet date night," wrote one Facebook supporter. "Thank you."

Even parents are hopping on board with the idea. One mom told local news station WUSA9, "Quite honestly if you're paying $15 an hour for someone to watch your kids, you don't want to listen to someone else's. I think it's a great idea."

Opponents, however, are angry about the exclusion.

"Great way to keep me out of your spot," wrote one mother. "As a single parent, thanks. We will dine at another sushi bar."

Another wrote, "I hope they go out of business."

The Sushi Bar isn't the first restaurant to ban the younger generation from its tables, and it certainly won't be the last. But the idea of extending that ban to teens as well is a relatively unexplored one.

"You have to find a niche," Anderson told WUSA9.

Anderson told TODAY he was shocked by all the controversy, especially considering the fact that even if there's no specific rule in place, many restaurants don't cater to children.

"You go in and there's no high chairs, no kids' menu, no crayons, and they say, ‘Yes we'll feed your kids, but it's 28 bucks for a piece of salmon,' " he said.

A sign on the restaurant's front window makes the policy clear, stating, "… the front-of-house personnel will politely let unaware parties know."

In addition, a message in the "About" section of the restaurant's website reads, "Because we strive to offer a cozy, intimate atmosphere, we ask that parents leave children under 18 at home. This allows us to provide the perfect environment for small groups and couples out on date night."

But Anderson said they won't be calling in the authorities should someone wander in with children.

"We're not going to be jerks about it," he said.

Anderson is willing to prove he's a fan of the younger population — he's considering hosting a sushi workshop with his chefs that's exclusively for the kids. That's right, no parents allowed.

The Sushi Bar opened last week and Anderson said reviews have been 90-percent positive.

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