Customers at Al Condominio restaurant in Verona, Italy have the opportunity to receive a free bottle of wine by simply handing over their phones upon arrival. The owner, Angelo Lella, opened the restaurant in March 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.
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, with Lella reporting that 90% of patrons have chosen to participate in the phone-free dining experience.
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 chance to enjoy good wine and socialize with one another. He is pleased to see customers engaging in conversations and enjoying each other’s company without the distraction of technology.
The response to the initiative at Al Condominio has been positive, with customers embracing the opportunity to disconnect from their phones while dining. Lella hopes to create a space where customers can focus on enjoying a meal together, free from the constant interruptions of technology. By offering a free bottle of wine in exchange for their phones, he encourages customers to savor the moment and engage in meaningful interactions with one another.
This innovative approach to dining has proven to be a success, with patrons appreciating the chance to disconnect and reconnect over a shared meal and wine. They are able to fully immerse themselves in each other’s company without being constantly interrupted by notifications or messages on their phones. It’s an opportunity for people who want an authentic dining experience without any distractions.
Lella is thrilled with how well his concept has been received by his customers and plans on keeping it as an ongoing feature at Al Condominio restaurant. With more and more people becoming increasingly dependent on technology for work and entertainment purposes, he believes that this kind of initiative can help promote healthier relationships with tech and encourage meaningful connections between people over food and drink.