Families perceive it as good value, notes Murray. Beverages for customers 5 years old or younger come with lids and straws. Any hot beverage is poured away from the table to eliminate reaching and grabbing. When taking orders, servers address the child, even though a parent usually responds. Involving the child with eye contact captures his attention.
Simplicity is key to a child's menu.
Fettuccine with cheese sauce was too complicated, we found, but spaghetti with meat sauce worked. Just don't call it marinara. Listing ingredients on the menu helps parents order for kids with allergies. The staff at Phillips Crab House restaurants in Ocean City, Md., will do anything to grab kids' attention, according to Vice President Paul R. Wall. Off-duty employees for the three restaurants along the Maryland shore volunteer to be Captain Phil, the restaurant's handshaking costumed mascot.