Al Condominio restaurant in Verona, Italy offers a unique dining experience to its customers. Angelo Lella, the owner, wanted to differentiate his restaurant from others and decided to encourage patrons to disconnect from their phones while enjoying a meal together. 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 believes that technology has become a problem in society, with many people constantly glued to their phones. By encouraging customers to disconnect from their phones while dining out, he hopes to create a more convivial atmosphere for all diners. He is pleased to see people embracing the concept and enjoying the social aspect of dining out without the constant presence of technology. Overall, Al Condominio is providing an innovative approach to dining that encourages patrons
