Customers at the Al Condominio restaurant in Verona, Italy have the opportunity to receive a free bottle of wine simply by handing over their phones upon entering the establishment. Angelo Lella, the owner of Al Condominio, opened the restaurant in Verona in March with the intention of offering customers a unique dining experience. He wanted to differentiate his restaurant from others and decided to encourage patrons to disconnect from their phones while enjoying a meal together.
Lella believes that technology has become a problem in society, with many people constantly glued to their phones. By implementing this rule, he hopes to provide an opportunity for customers to put aside their devices and focus on enjoying good wine and conversation. When customers arrive at the restaurant, they are asked to hand in their phones, which are then securely stored at the entrance. In exchange, they are presented with a bottle of wine to enjoy during their meal.
The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with Lella stating that 90% of customers have chosen to participate in the scheme. Patrons seem to appreciate the opportunity to engage with one another without distractions from their phones. Lella is pleased to see people embracing the concept and enjoying the social aspect of dining out without the constant presence of technology. By encouraging customers to disconnect from their phones, Al Condominio hopes to create a more convivial atmosphere for all diners.