A handful of restaurants have already launched initiatives to curb the use of smartphones at the dinner table, but the British restaurant chain Frankie & Benny’s is stepping up this idea by offering free meals for kids if families give up their phones. The decision to run this program came after examining multiple surveys that observed the way adults use their smartphones. Ultimately, this research led to Frankie & Benny’s discovering that about 10 percent of kids had hidden their parent's handset at some point to get their full attention.
Families looking to take part in this initiative will have to leave their phones at the door, inside a "no phone zone" box. According to the restaurant, "We’ve found giving families the chance to part with their devices for a mere couple of hours is a great way to bring them closer and embrace family time."
Smartphone-Curbing Restaurants
Frankie & Benny’s is Giving Free Kid's Meals in Exchange for Phones
Trend Themes
1. Smartphone-free Restaurants - The trend of restaurants encouraging patrons to give up their phones at the dinner table in exchange for incentives, such as free meals for kids, is growing.
2. Digital Detox Initiatives - Restaurants and businesses are implementing strategies to help individuals disconnect from their smartphones and focus on real-life interactions, creating opportunities for innovative solutions.
3. Family Time Enhancement - By promoting smartphone-free dining experiences, establishments are providing an opportunity for families to bond, fostering the development of services and products that enhance quality family time.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurants - The restaurant industry can explore new approaches to entice customers by offering smartphone-free zones or digital detox experiences to facilitate meaningful connections and family time.
2. Hospitality - The hospitality industry, including hotels and resorts, can tap into the trend of digital detox and create unique packages or amenities that provide guests with an escape from smartphone dependency.
3. Technology - The technology industry can develop innovative solutions, such as smartphone apps or tools, that help individuals limit their device usage during specific activities, like dining out, and encourage deeper human connections.