Denver-area cafe bans unsupervised teens after ‘repeated incidents’

Known for serving up food to hungry patrons for 45 years, The Apple Ridge Cafe in Wheat Ridge has recently been having problems with unsupervised teenage diners and it’s prompted some major policy changes.

Per a notification from the popular restaurant, unsupervised middle school and high school students are no longer allowed to eat inside of the establishment. Students are still allowed to place take-out orders, but must pay prior to receiving food and eat that food off-property. Students may also still eat at the restaurant if they’re accompanied by an adult.

The banning of teens not under adult supervision follow what was described by the business as “repeated incidents of disruptive behavior and theft.”

“We’ve always enjoyed being a place where young people can gather, but recent actions by a few have made it necessary to make this change,” reads a statement from The Apple Ridge Cafe. “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep Apple Ridge Cafe a safe, respectful, and welcoming place for everyone.”

“It only takes a few to ruin it for everyone else,” reads a social media post from the restaurant. “Hopefully this can be short-lived.”

Fans of the restaurant seemed to show widespread support for the decision in online commentary related to the announcement.

“If parents would only teach boundaries and respect,” wrote one commenter, with many others who chimed in sharing that sentiment.