NYC McDonald’s hires ‘McBouncer’ to keep out violent, rowdy teens

McDonald’s in Queens has taken drastic measures to combat unruly behavior from rowdy teens by hiring a “McBouncer” to enforce a ban on unaccompanied minors during certain hours. Claudia Zanabria, a McDonald’s employee and cancer survivor, has been tasked with keeping the teens in check due to her tough demeanor.

The restaurant, located on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills, has faced numerous incidents of assault and disorderly conduct, prompting the implementation of the ban. Police have been called to the establishment 15 times this year alone, with one incident involving a 24-year-old man who claimed to have been slapped by a stranger.

Zanabria, who started working at McDonald’s six months ago, has had to deal with confrontations and brawls between groups of teens inside the restaurant. Despite the challenges she faces, Zanabria diligently checks the teens’ cell phones for mobile orders and serves them their meals outside to prevent further disruptions.

Since the ban was put in place five months ago, as many as two dozen teens gather outside the restaurant while Zanabria monitors the entrances. Customers have expressed relief at the changes, citing concerns for their safety in the face of the teens’ disruptive behavior.

This is not the only McDonald’s in the city facing issues with teenage patrons. Another location in Sunnyside, Queens, saw a 14-year-old boy stabbed to death during a brawl among teenagers. In Flatbush, a McDonald’s implemented an ID check policy after masked teens attacked a security guard, leading to a ban on unaccompanied minors entering the premises.

Despite the challenges faced by McDonald’s and its employees, measures like hiring a “McBouncer” and implementing bans on unaccompanied minors are crucial in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all customers.