It’s a frustrating reality in our town: after a long day of classes, kids pull out their crumpled bills and spare change to buy a meal at Bojangles and Subway. They order their biscuits or subs, hoping for a small break from their routine. Instead of being treated like valued customers, they’re hit with a harsh rule—they can spend their money, but they can’t stay to eat. No tables, no chairs, no respect. Just a quick handover of food and a push out the door.
This isn’t just wrong—it’s a disgrace, and it’s time we demand better.
Not every student is the same, yet businesses seem to assume any kid with a meal in hand is a loiterer or a troublemaker. Most just want a spot to eat and recharge.
Drive through nearby towns and you’ll see kids hanging out at local spots, being kids, with no pearl clutching. Why are our businesses so quick to treat our children like they’re a threat rather than the heart of our community?
We have every resource other towns have—great schools, dedicated educators, and brilliant students. Our high schoolers are excelling in academics, sports, and the arts. They’re winning awards, breaking records, and making us proud.
That pride isn’t translating into how they’re treated in our community. Businesses happily take our kids’ money while offering little in return but a paper bag and a “get lost” vibe.
Worried about rowdy behavior? Deal with it individually—call the police if there’s a real issue. A blanket ban on kids eating in peace isn’t a fix; it’s a slap in the face. It’s disheartening, and it goes deeper than fast-food joints.
We have more vape shops and liquor stores than safe, welcoming places for our kids to go and be kids. Where are the hangouts, the community spaces, the spots that say, “You’re wanted here”? Instead, we’re sending a message that their money’s welcome, but they’re not.
Businesses could be building bridges—supporting our schools, fostering community, and earning loyalty from the next generation. Instead, they’re burning bridges—throwing out one kid at a time.
Parents, we need to step up. We can’t allow our kids to be treated like second-class citizens. Let’s teach them how to act in public, but let’s also demand that businesses respect them as customers. If Bojangles, Subway, and others want our dollars, they should treat our kids with the same dignity they’d offer anyone else. Our students deserve a seat at the table—literally and figuratively.
This isn’t just about a meal or a chair. It’s about dignity, fairness, and recognizing the value of our youth. Our kids are watching, learning what we stand for by how we let them be treated. Let’s show them we stand for them—speak out, push back, and refuse to let their money be taken without respect in return.
Our community’s history proves our kids are worth it. Now let’s make our present reflect that truth.
Sheree Jackson
Blair
