SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — McDonald’s on Mayfield Road has decided to close its afternoon dining room after South Euclid police responded to the chaos in late October.

“In eighteen years, this has not happened. I have not investigated this type of call or been dispatched to this type of call in 18 years,” said Joe Di Lillo, head of the South Euclid Police Public Information and School Resource Officer.

On October 22, officers found two injured teenagers inside the restaurant and asked them what happened. Employees described a fight that took them away from their tasks. During interviews, officers learned that numerous teenagers had left the restaurant, some even causing disruptions at other businesses on Mayfield Road.

From now on, the fast food restaurant’s dining room is closed from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can still place a mobile order, but you must be in a drive-thru car to pick up the food.

South Euclid police said they are grateful to their residents who helped identify many of the teens involved. “The public did not appreciate this type of behavior, but they helped us. The community worked with the police department, not against it, and got us the information to attach to this report to take to juvenile court ” Di Lillo said.

Officers report the juveniles involved were between the ages of 12 and 16. Four were arrested Oct. 22, two from South Euclid and two from Cleveland. Twelve named juveniles have now been forwarded to the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Prosecutor for review of charges.

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Some teens involved attend Brush High School, just minutes from the fast food restaurant.

“Also, we contacted the schools and let them know, ‘Hey, look, this area is closed. Can you circulate this?’ We just want to avoid any conflict with the community, the staff,” Di Lillo said.

At the Taco Bell, across from McDonald’s on Mayfield Road, there is a sign on the door that reads: “No students allowed from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult.” » The nearby Speedway has a sign saying “No Students Allowed.” »

Also on Mayfield Road is the Team Couture Youth Centre. Owner and manager Donna Brown said she sees teenagers walking down Mayfield Road after school every day.

“If they’re not participating in sports and extracurricular activities…what are they doing?” » said Brown.

L’Équipe Couture currently welcomes students aged 5 to 13 as part of an after-school program. Students enjoy food, activities and camaraderie with one another in a safe space.

Brown also sees the need to create a safe space for high school students. In response, Brown and his team are launching teen nights for students twice a week in January.

In the meantime, she said her doors are still open to teens who can come in for a snack or chat.

“I hope we can make a difference. We are currently looking for additional spacing so we can accommodate them directly after school,” Brown said.

To connect your children with the Team Couture Youth Center, you can visit them on Instagram @teamcoutureorg or email them at [email protected].

The Mayfield Road McDonald’s is locally owned and operated by MAK Management Company. News 5 reached out to MAK Management and did not receive a response.