19 month old boy..

Geneva • 23. Married. SAH boy mom to Asher & Jensen💙
My 19 month old has picked up the screaming and kicking mess. This past weekend my niece threw several tantrums where my parents didn't really do anything about it..and Monday my son started doing it as well when he doesn't get his way. Today in Chic-fil-a with a friend he wouldn't eat, and he kept screaming. I had to put YouTube on my phone for him to settle so I could even speak to my friend and eat my lunch. 
My husband & I are not sure what to do. We do occasional pops on the butt when he pushes his limits on things he's not suppose to do. Idk if ignoring him will do the trick or what. Needing some advice from moms who have dealt with this. Is this just part of the 'terrible 2's' starting early? TIA❤️