One restaurant owner in Abu Ghosh, just outside of Jerusalem, is taking a stand against distracted eating. In “wow that’s great, but aren’t you running a business?” news, the owner of Abu Ghosh is offering anyone who completely shuts down their phone during dining 50% off the entire meal. Yep, 50%.
Apparently, he’s not collecting phones at the door – he’s working on the honor system. Cellphones must be turned completely off – not on silent or not on airplane mode – off.
“I’m changing something. It might be something small, but maybe in some small way I’ll be changing the culture of eating,” the restaurant’s owner, Jawdat Ibrahim, told the AP. “Technology is very good. But just when you eat, just especially when you are with your family and your friends, you can just wait for half an hour and enjoy the food and enjoy the company. A lot of people, they sit down and they don’t enjoy their food, their company.”
But…but how am I going to Instagram my delicious falafel?
Ok, he has a point. People should get the hell off Facebook and enjoy their meals, and their company. This bar has the right idea (this is not a photo from Abu-Ghosh).
As far as Abu Ghosh’s clientele? Well, they love the concept – as almost every patron has taken advantage of the deal since it was instated. Ibrahim says he’s taking a financial hit due to the offer – one you’d expect from a restaurateur offering a discount so large.
This is not an entirely new idea, but it is the first time I’ve heard of a restaurateur offering such a gigantic price cut for such a seemingly easy act. Last year, a Los Angeles restaurant made headlines when they offered a 5% discount to any diner who left their phones at the door.
Image via Renée Suen, Flickr