After a group of teens caused chaos inside her restaurant, a south suburban business owner posted a viral video pleading with parents – and her message led to a surprising response from the very parents she was hoping to reach.
Dawndria Murray, the owner of a Culver’s in Matteson, said the behavior had been building for months, but recently reached a breaking point.
“They’re having food fights, they’re tearing up the bathrooms… they’re basically being disruptive,” Murray said.
But when she took to social to explain what was happening, her message resonated.
What happened
Murray said large groups of teens, often arriving after school, would gather inside her restaurant along Cicero Avenue, creating disturbances for customers and staff.
The issues included:
- Food fights
- Teens walking on tables
- Vandalized bathrooms
- Loud, disruptive behavior
“I made the post because I have been trying to get the kids to behave at my restaurant,” she said.
Frustrated, Murray posted surveillance video on social media — not to shame the teens, she said, but to reach their parents.
“I just really wanted the parents to come together and help me with the kids,” she said.
Murray said the situation was especially difficult given her personal investment in the business.
“I love my job. I put a lot of sweat and tears,” she said.
She worked her way up from manager to become a franchise owner — and said she has long tried to support local teens.
That included buying meals for kids who couldn’t afford food, rewarding students with good grades, trying to connect them with tutors.
The situation gained wider attention after businessman and philanthropist Early Walker shared Murray’s story on social media.
“This is not an administration problem… this is a parent problem,” Walker said. “There’s nothing the city can do… The only person that can control these kids are the parents.”
Parents respond
Following the posts, Murray said something unexpected happened: parents began showing up.
Some recognized their children in the videos and came to the restaurant to apologize — even offering to make amends.
“I know that parents are coming together… to have my back,” Murray said.
They also began alerting other parents who had children involved in the incidents.
Parents and Murray also began documenting the apologies on social media.
“[Murray] told me a father came up there with his son by the collar — old school. He said he saw his son in the video and wanted to personally apologize. He also made it clear she would never have an issue with his son again,” Walker wrote to his followers, saying, “this is what accountability looks like.”
Village officials step in
Local leaders said they are working to prevent further issues.
“We made sure that we had connection with our schools… The parents are being proactive,” said Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin.
Officials said they are working with schools and families ahead of the summer months.
What’s next
Walker is now organizing a show of support for the business.
He’s inviting the community to come out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday to support the restaurant and its staff.
“We want to make sure that we’re showing her we’re behind her — not just telling her,” Walker said.