flea

Decor, lighting, prices, the type of food you provide. I stopped taking my daughter to the great Thai Food place when she got to the toddler stage, because it's dimly lit, the waiters are formally dressed, the carpet and upholstery is dark and elegant. It's not particlarly expensive (and they do have take-out) but it's signaling, "This is not a place to bring a kid who can't be relied on to stay in a chair." Elmo's, on the other hand, has wood floors, bright sun, vinyl booths, a kid's menu, and crayons, so it's saying, "As long as your child will not bite the server, come on in." It still has good food, isn't a chain kiddie restaurant. And you know what? I rarely see outrageous child behavior there.