Would you have a birthday party in a fast food restaurant?
By secretbear
@secretbear (19448)
Philippines
October 8, 2011 9:32pm CST
My niece will be turning four tomorrow but the birthday party will be later in the afternoon today because her parents will have work tomorrow. The birthday party will be held in Jollibee (same like Mcdonald's), a fast food restaurant here in our town. I'm sure there will be a mascot to entertain the children.
Personally, I think it's very advantageous to hold a birthday party outside the house to avoid preparation and all those needed in a party. The house won't be a mess and will not be in a disarray and the family will not be tired from taking care of the food and the guests. There will even be a program or games in a fast food restaurant which the family may not be able to do in the house.
Practically speaking, it's advantageous to hold a birthday party in a fast food restaurant. I just don't like the idea that the food will be served are all fast food.
What about you? 
7 people like this
20 responses
@keihimekawa (2009)
• Philippines
10 Oct 11
I think this is so common in out country that foreigners tend to think of this as a "tradition" LOL! That's the common reason why they had parties in fast foods to avoid major clean up problems :P We commonly ear fast foods anyway so I don't think there'll be any problems with this. I just hope they just come up with something original or unique to break the old school fast food parties :P It's amusing to attend one though, especially after a long hiatus from attending fast food birthday parties :P
3 people like this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
19 Oct 11
I remember Macarena and Aserehe! But I don't know Baby and Tic Toc. 'Guess it shows I'm not much into mascots anymore. 
1 person likes this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
12 Oct 11
Next time we have a birthday party at Jollibee, I'll invite you, Kei.
1 person likes this
@keihimekawa (2009)
• Philippines
12 Oct 11
Hahaha and I'll stuff myself with Jolly spaghetti XD It's just funny... During my time, the most famous dance number Jollibee did was "Macarena" then it became "Aserehe". These days, Jollibee does "Baby" and "Tic Toc" Lol!!!
1 person likes this
@youless (112123)
• Guangzhou, China
10 Oct 11
In fact I don't want to spend lots of money for the birthday. It is a kind of wasting money for the guests and yourself since they have to buy you gifts and you have to offer them the party. It will be nice to celebrate it quietly with your best friends and family. Especially I don't want that my child will have a big party in his birthday. He may think that money can come easily. It is not good for children. So every year I just buy a small cake and a gift for his birthday. He is glad to it anyway.
I love China
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
12 Oct 11
Good for you. I don't like spending a lot but it's nice to throw parties once in a while to give happiness to the celebrant and to the guests. Besides, the guests are not forced to bring gifts. They can come empty-handed.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
20 Oct 11
Very good angle on that Youless! Having to pay for all the food and such in return for gifts for your child.... never thought about it that way. My kids haven't had a party yet.
1 person likes this
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
9 Oct 11
A fast-food restaurant like Jollibee, KFC, and Mcdonald's is a good place to go to for a birthday party. I would like it there for the birthday party because I like the serving and eating atmosphere there. So there is no problem for me to consider having a birthday party in these kinds of places. I wish your niece a happy birthday, Secretbear.
3 people like this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
20 Oct 11
I agree with the points you stated especially the clean up and activities. However, when I was at a party at a McDonalds a few years back they didn't even do any games with them just let them run wild in the play area and fed them. We actually have one like that to go to this weekend... we'll atleast be able to stay and stick around just outside of the birthday area.
I would also like something better nutrition as well. Which comes to mind about having something at a park that way there's a big play area and places to sit and eat.. though you'll have to clean up of course.
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
18 Feb 12
Maybe the parents did not say they wanted games? Because I think, when you choose to celebrate in a fast food chain, you will choose among birthday packages. I guess the parents chose a package without a program or games.
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
10 Oct 11
My daughter's first birthday was held at Jollibee. And yes, fast food was served. Honestly, I didn't have any problems with regards to the idea of serving fast food to guests. I guess it's because that when I told friends and family where the party will be held, it's in a fast food restaurant, so it's expected that what they'll be eating is the food served there.
There are other venue options for parties aside from fast food restaurants. If your concern is the food, then you could probably hire a caterer that can serve home-style cooking. Or probably go to a restaurant that offers Filipino-style food like Aristocrat. There are lots of options, really. But I guess for kids, Jollibee can quite be an attraction. Not just the food but the mascot as well.
3 people like this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
12 Oct 11
Yeah, I agree. These fast food restaurants are perfect venues for kids because of the mascots and the hosts usually conducts games for the children to make the program more enjoyable.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
18 Oct 11
I think it's a great idea to celebrate children's birthdays at a fastfood. Specially if they have play areas, and they really cater to birthdays. It would be so much easier for the parent not to worry about preparing food, and thinking of activities for the children. They could just worry about making sure that all guests are welcomed.
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
19 Oct 11
I agree. All the parents just need to make sure that there will be guests attending.
@ajithlal (14716)
• India
9 Oct 11
I have never had a birthday party at the fast food restaurant. I would love to have one. I think it is real fun. I went to some of my friend's birthday parties at the restaurant and it was very fun to have lots of people like family and friends together with very good food and everyone talking with each other. I think it is good to have birthday parties in the restaurant with good natural food.
2 people like this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
12 Oct 11
I don't think the fast foods are natural foods. 
1 person likes this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
16 Feb 12
Yes, I would absolutely have a birthday party at a fast food place, but maybe not for children. I think children ought to have nutritious food to eat before their cake and ice cream. Adults, I think, can eat junk food once in a while, although I have met some who go for that kind of meal every day.
1 person likes this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
18 Feb 12
Oh, if it were me I wouldn't like to celebrate my birthday in a fast food restaurant. Although I might treat friends for the food there. I would rather celebrate my birthday in a different restaurant.
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
I see. When I was a kid, going to a fast food was a super treat already because we didn't had too many fast food restaurants here. But when one fast food came came after another, it kinda grow tiring on me. 
On one hand, being taken to a slightly fancy restaurant would be something new to me. I'm gonna have my birthday next month.
On one hand, being taken to a slightly fancy restaurant would be something new to me. I'm gonna have my birthday next month. 1 person likes this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
19 Feb 12
Probably the reason I think it would be fun is that I don't eat at fast food restaurants very often! So it would be something different. In truth, though, people I know usually take me someplace slightly fancy for my birthday. But I am OK with either. Are you having a birthday soon?
1 person likes this
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
19 Oct 11
It's usually popular among kids because it's all their favourite food being served and able to hang out in the restaurants without being scolded since they have the right to be there.. lol :D I've been to 1-2 of such parties when i was a kid, but not anymore when i'm older.. haha Even now when attending my friend's kid's birthday party, they are arranging for BBQ, more like entertainment for us adults.. haha
Even now when attending my friend's kid's birthday party, they are arranging for BBQ, more like entertainment for us adults.. haha2 people like this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
18 Feb 12
A kid's birthday party should be for kids and not for adults! 
1 person likes this
@dodo19 (47082)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
9 Oct 11
I can't say that I've ever had a birthday party in a restaurant. I know that some people do, but I'm not someone who ever had. It wasn't something that ever really interested me. For one reason or another, it wasn't something that I wanted to do for my birthday.
2 people like this
@marguicha (215481)
• Chile
1 Nov 11
I would not give knowingly fast food to young kids. I think they are bad for your health and addictive to many. But I understand that it is difficult to make a birthday party at home so maybe it can be done at a park, if the weather permits it, at a place where there´s a barbecue to make hotdogs, bringing homemade food the kind children like and a cake. Two of my nieces worked helping at such parties when they were teens and they donned costumes and made the children play the usual kid´s party´s games.
2 people like this
@thatgirl13 (7294)
• South Korea
12 Oct 11
Actually I have had my Birthday parties in a restaurant a few times. I think it's much more fun and less work And the food are yummy too! (but im not saying the home made ones are not yummy )
Anyway I think it's more convenient coz the cleaning cooking won't have to be done by us. And a few times we had parties at my place but everything was brought from some restaurants 
And the food are yummy too! (but im not saying the home made ones are not yummy )
Anyway I think it's more convenient coz the cleaning cooking won't have to be done by us. And a few times we had parties at my place but everything was brought from some restaurants 2 people like this
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
3 Nov 11
Hi secretbear! Happy birthday to your niece! I also like celebrating outside the house. The only downside that I could think of is the time restriction. Especially if it is a kiddie party, Jollibee and McDo always have allotted certain hours for the party. Sometimes I feel it is "bitin" I don't know how to translate
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
18 Feb 12
Yeah, I agree. They are usually paid per hour. And compared to celebrating at home, you can't keep up the party for as long as you like.
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
18 Feb 12
Wow, I am surprised to see your comment to my response! This has been 5 months ago
1 person likes this
@captainderp (48)
•
29 Feb 12
Personally I think it's fine. I've had many birthday parties held for me over the years in Pizza Hut, or KFC, and also see many others having their birthday there. I suppose it all depends on the parents (or person holding the party) preference, and a certain amount of standards!
Obviously having a party at home with homemade food has its advantages, and there are no constraints time wise, and you can also play games etc. But, it begs the question would the food be nicer home cooked, or cooked at a fast food restaraunt?
2 people like this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
I actually prefer home-cooked food. But if it was a pizza restaurant like Pizza Hut, I guess it's okay for me. I don't get to eat pizza a lot anyway. 
I just get tired of burgers and fries.
I don't get to eat pizza a lot anyway. I just get tired of burgers and fries.
@shaggin (71666)
• United States
19 Sep 12
When I was real young I'm guessing kindergarten age I got invited to a birthday party at mcdonalds. It was about 10 miles from my house. There was a lot of kids in a very small area I remember. It was very exciting to me it seemed so magical. We all got happy meals and got to see ronald mcdonald. That was the only time in all my years that I have ever been to or even heard of a birtgday party in a resturant. Could be because most resturants are so far from where we live. Most people just have parties in local community hall buildings.
@johndur (3052)
• Pasig, Philippines
1 Apr 12
having a childrens party in a fastfood chain is a good idea...but i think it has limited time each session...and much better if you can also add some real ffods in their menu with the help of a catering service but of course that would be more expensive than using their own packages and fast foods...
1 person likes this
@Blondie2222 (28611)
• United States
29 Sep 12
I've had a birthday party outside the home before it wasn't at fast food place though we usually have our kid parties at chuck e cheeses. More things for the kids to do there and the food isn't all bad for you and kids love pizza. It's always a great time and there's games we adults play too with the kids. It would be interesting to have a birthday party at Mcdonalds or something, i've seen it done before by other friends and their families but never with myself. I don't think I ever would do that though, I would want my parties in a clean environment.
@jd107nette (1454)
• Philippines
23 Mar 12
I agree... just the preparation like cleaning and cooking and all that are stressful! When it is done by others plus they are trained in those fields there is assurance that at least the kids would enjoy the event. I just know that its bit costly and the food isnt as healthy as what moms could have prepared. But guess it wont hurt, its only for 1 meal... happy weekend
1 person likes this
@Professor2010 (20162)
• India
29 Feb 12
Celebrating party of any kind at home has its own pleasure and satisfaction friend, i celebrate this on our roof top usually, i just hire services of some caterers , who do the cooking, serving the food, clean the roof, though it costs bit higher, but am free form headache lol
Best of luck.
Professor
Professor
1 person likes this
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
I think it's nice to celebrate anything in a roof top! I would prefer if it was a night celebration under a starry sky.
@jasmin_niza (362)
• Philippines
17 Feb 12
Thanks for this discussion. My baby is turning one year old soon and im thinking of having her bday celebration at mcdonalds or jollibee. This is very convenient but a little more expensive....well, i guess we really ned to pay for that "convenience"
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
18 Feb 12
I agree. People nowadays, prefer everything to be simple and convenient even if it means paying some money.
