At Al Condominio restaurant in Verona, Italy, customers have the chance to receive a free bottle of wine by simply handing over their phones upon arrival. The owner, Angelo Lella, opened the restaurant with the goal of setting it apart from others. He wanted to offer a space where customers could enjoy a meal without the distraction of their smartphones.
Lella believes that technology has become a problem for many people, causing them to constantly check their phones as if it were a drug. By encouraging customers to relinquish their phones while dining, they have the opportunity to enjoy good wine and socialize with one another.
Upon entering the restaurant, customers willing to part with their phones for the duration of their meal will hand them in at the entrance, where they will be securely locked away. Once seated, they will show their key to the waiter and receive a complimentary bottle of wine such as a Prosecco or rosé. This unique concept has been well-received by customers and 90% of patrons have chosen to participate in the phone-free dining experience.
Lella is pleased to see customers engaging in conversations and enjoying each other’s company without the distraction of technology. He hopes that this innovative approach to dining will encourage others to follow suit and create spaces where people can focus on enjoying meals together rather than being consumed by technology.