An unusual challenge is being presented to patrons at an Italian restaurant. It calls on people to detox from technology and leave their mobile phones aside when having their meals.
As a reward, it offers a complimentary bottle of wine.
Angelo Lella, owner of Al Condominio, the restaurant that opened in March in Verona, stated that the aim is to encourage customers to converse with each other rather than being absorbed in their phones.
“We wanted to open a restaurant that stands out from the others,” he said.
“So we chose this format. Customers can leave technology behind while enjoying a pleasant moment together. Technology has become a problem; there’s no reason to look at your phone every five seconds, but for many people, it’s like a drug. However, they have the opportunity to set it aside and drink good wine,” he added.
But how will customers have absolutely no contact with their mobile phones? Their mobile phones can be placed, if they wish, in a special box, which will remain locked at the entrance. Then, they will show the key to the waiter, and he will serve them the bottle of wine.
Customers can also write a review of their meal, which they will leave in the box.
Those who don’t write the most positive review will be offered a free meal on their next visit.
