Vapiano - What's up with the high chairs?

[Anonymous]

On one of my days off work recently, I decided to take my 14-month old out to a "mommy-and-me" lunch. A Vapiano had recently opened up in my neighborhood (Ballston). I had eaten at a Vapiano downtown, and remembered that it was very good and relatively quick food, in a funky but casual atmosphere. So, I thought this might be a good spot to go get an entree for myself that I could share with my daughter. Upon arriving, I asked about high chairs, and they pointed to a large number in the corner. Feeling confident this would work out, I ordered my food, and then went to set up my daughter and I at a nearby table. Then, to my surprise, I realized that NONE of the high chairs had straps - in fact, contrary to the 1 in 3 high chairs at the neighborhood diner where the straps are simply broken, the high chairs at Vapiano appeared to be designed to NOT have any straps/seat belts. They are very slick looking, matching the restaurants decor, but are complete impractical. Moreover, some of them are designed to be extra high to accomodate the high top tables - making the lack of straps even more dangerous! By hook or crook, I managed to quickly down a pizza - and share a few bites with my daughter - but spent most of my time trying to convince her to sit back down - forceably holding her down in the chair by the end. As I was leaving, I asked the manager about the lack of straps on the high chairs, and she said that she had gotten several comments from customers, which had been passed onto the corporate offices (in northern Virginia, by the way), to no avail. This is such a great spot - and within walking distance in many neighborhoods. But, it appears to me that these high chairs have been designed specifically so that they will NOT be used. I am curious if anyone else has had a similar experience - and whether or not you also approached the management about it?

[Anonymous]

maybe they are designed for older kids? my DD is older and will sit in them (with a little pizza bribery), but yeah it would be tricky with a little one...

[Anonymous]

Clearly they were designed for people without kids. Probably work well for older kids (who just need the boost). But sounds like a nightmare for younger ones.