LI Wendy's Shuts Doors To Students After 'Disrespectful Behavior'

RIVERHEAD, NY — A sign in the window of a Riverhead Wendy's, saying the doors are closed to students during certain hours, has sparked outrage among some community members.

The sign, which hangs in the window at the Wendy's located at 1165 Route 58 in Riverhead, reads: "Valued guests: Due to the unacceptable and disrespectful behavior of certain Riverhead students, the dining room will be closed to all students from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The drive-thru will be open."

The sign left some livid. "Discrimination against a population," resident Julie Scott wrote to Patch.

Tom Spero, owner of the Wendy's, told Patch that shutting the doors to students during certain hours was a "last resort."

The problem has been ongoing for a few years, he said. During the pandemic, the issues weren't as pervasive because schools were closed. When schools reopened, the issues became "really bad," Spero said.

On some days, students from the Riverhead school district congregated in his restaurant, sometimes in groups of as many as 30 or 35 in the dining area, Spero said.

"Some are eating, but most are just sitting around, and some go crazy — cursing, yelling, pushing, shoving, throwing papers. One kids buys a soda and five take drinks from the machine." And, he added, "They are getting loud and vulgar —and I still have other customers."

For example, Spero said often, older adults come in around 3 p.m. or 3:30 p.m., the same time as the unruly groups.

"They complained to us," Spero said. "They've been cursing at my managers, being totally disrespectful. Our general manager was here and they told him to 'Go f--- off.'"

Some students use racial slurs, he said.

"Some say they're just being kids — but they're being out of control kids," Spero said.

The Riverhead Town police have been "great," Spero said, coming immediately if called, including during one incident last year when a fight broke out in the parking lot.

"But they're not afraid of the police," Spero said.

Spero said he's communicated with school officials in both the Riverhead middle and high schools, beginning in 2018. At first, he said, the district would send down the school's security officer, who would "tamper down" the kids. School officials have said they've made announcements, to no avail, Spero said.

"It's not working," he added.

Spero said in his opinion, the problems were exacerbated on game days, with kids "hanging out, getting really unruly, and yelling." He asked school officials if a code of conduct could be enforced but was told it was a difficult situation because the incidents weren't taking place on school property, so the kids couldn't be suspended.

Not all the kids who frequented the eatery were engaging in the poor behavior, Spero pointed out — but those who were, ruined it for all.

"The only thing I can do is lock the doors and monitor the doors. If I see a regular, average blue-collar worker or a senior citizen, I'll let them in," Spero said.

Spero wants to work with parents to resolve the situation. "If the parents of those kids who come to Wendy's could come and just watch, and try to help control them," Spero said he'd be willing to open the doors to students again.

The goal is to let parents get the situation under control, Spero said. He added that he does not want to lose business and also feels for the kids who weren't doing anything wrong.

"But when they start cursing at my manager and crew managers, you can't control it anymore," Spero said.

Spero, a parent of four kids himself, said he's eager to have parents reach out and work with them toward an amicable solution.

The Riverhead Central School District also commented: "The district has had ongoing conversations with the Wendy's on Route 58 to resolve this matter and ensure that the establishment is treated with proper respect. To our knowledge, these incidents have largely occurred after the school day has concluded, but we are committed to doing what we can to help rectify this situation. Parents and guardians have been made aware of this matter and have been asked to speak with their children about engaging in respectful behavior at local establishments. We will continue our discussions with Wendy's and the community on this matter to promote appropriate conduct," the district said.

Parents who wish to speak with Spero can call 631-369-3232 or call the main Wendy's line at 1-888-624-8140 and leave a message.