Would you eat at restaurants that ban mobile phones?
Our mobiles are vital in modern life and thus glued to us 24/7. They are essential for communications, reminders and much more.
Now imagine that you have to purposely leave your phone behind to be able to dine in a restaurant.
With customers always texting while eating out, some restaurants decided to ban phones. They believe that during meal times, you should socialize with “real” people.
Indeed, research shows how addicting mobile technology can be. It states that nearly 50% of parents and more than 70% of teens respond to notifications immediately.
Therefore, we have curated a mini list of restaurants that ban mobiles.
Auradaze Japanese Deli, Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
This place is an authentic Japanese dining experience in Leamington Spa, England. Darren Yates, the owner and head chef has banned cellphones while dining. He alerts the customers with a big sign of the no phone in front of his eatery.
His philosophy is the focus on people and conversation while dining. Also, the owner assures that the ban did not adversely affect his business. Darren stated that on the contrary, people seem to enjoy the experience to the maximum.
Le Petit Jardin, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, France
The restaurant located in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in south France, has banned mobiles completely. The theme of this French eatery is the focus on barbecue and conversation.
Waiters blow a whistle and show a yellow card to first offenders with phones. Secondly, a red card is shown upon repeated phone checking. Lastly, the waiter escorts the mobile users outside as a straight dismissal. Oh and there are no VARs to argue with the referee!
Café Phil, a 6th District Café-Bookstore, Austria
A Café-Bookstore in Vienna, Austria with no wifi during the weekend. This gesture intends to encourage people to have more interpersonal communications.
Therefore people need to relax in such atmosphere, and a mobile banging with notifications is not a source of inspiration!
Frankie and Benny’s Restaurant Chain, United Kingdom
The chain in the UK is an eatery which serves American-Italian food. All of the individual restaurants ban mobile phones. By doing so, they hope to help customers “celebrate family time”.
The restaurant’s customers will be requested to place their cellphone into the “no phone box” placed on their table. If customers resisted the temptations of checking their mobiles, they will be offered a complimentary kids meal. A double reward for them and their little loved ones!
Do you agree with these restaurants and do you see a current trend? Many new restaurants are incorporating similar measures, but maybe the above diners have taken a bold approach.
Only the future will tell if people will appreciate or disgrace this phenomenon. We genuinely hope they opt for the first ideology for keeping stronger social ties and better overall lifestyles.
Always put your health first, and keep your peace of mind intact while travelling. Remember to book your travel insurance policy before departure.
