Restaurant Gets Mixed Reactions On Implementing "No Cell Phones" Policy

"If you can't possibly deal without your phone for two hours, this is not the place for you."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• August 19, 2023

The fixation on cell phones is undeniable in today's society. A glance around will likely reveal individuals engaged with their gadgets, either immersed in texting or aimlessly browsing through social media platforms. These digital distractions have permeated even the most intimate settings, like family dinners.

Does the last occasion you enjoyed a meal without your phone's presence come to mind? The experience can turn exasperating when attempting a heartfelt conversation only to have it impeded by the glow of a screen.

While some may argue that it is the duty of those present to control their own behavior, a solution is emerging from an unexpected source.

One particular restaurant is taking the initiative to alter this dynamic. This establishment recognizes the impact that cell phones have on genuine human connection and is taking steps to foster an environment where patrons can truly engage with one another.

By encouraging diners to put away their phones, the restaurant hopes to cultivate a space where conversation flourishes. In doing so, it not only enhances the dining experience but also strikes a blow against the creeping invasion of technology into our personal lives.

It's an exciting and refreshing move that could set a precedent for others to follow—but people seem to be divided about this idea...

Tim Love, a well-known chef in the Fort Worth area with ownership of several restaurants, passionately believes that it's high time for diners to enjoy a meal free from the distractions of smartphones, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face connections.

He decided to open Caterina's, an Italian restaurant. The customers will be required to store their phones into small bags for them to be allowed to dine there.

Upon arrival, guests will be handed small pouches by the hostess to place their phones in, and the pouches will remain with them throughout the meal. Tim Love, the owner, explained: "We're going to kindly ask them to put their phone in the bag. [...] It's not a big deal."

If guests need to use their cell phones, they can step outside.

If a call is necessary, there's a bright-red rotary landline available, and staff will personally bring it to the table. Addressing concerns from a food blogger who wants to capture the dining experience, Tim assured that a follow-up email would be sent the next day to all reservations, including photos of the dishes ordered.

Drawing inspiration from the elegance of the 1940s and 1950s, Caterina's offers an intimate dining space that seats only 40 guests at a time, and it upholds a strict dress code.

To maintain a refined atmosphere, men must wear a sport coat, and one can even be provided at the door if necessary.

Tim Love's objective with Caterina's is to forge a space where guests can disconnect from technology and genuinely engage with friends, fellow diners, the ambiance, and the scrumptious food. He candidly stated to NBC, "If you can't possibly deal without your phone for two hours, this is not the place for you." However, the commitment to interaction and focus isn't the only distinctive aspect of the restaurant.

Tim further elucidated the experience to Paper City: "Caterina's guests will be treated to a multi-course meal. It's slow dining, or what I like to call analog dining where the entire experience encourages you to slow down."

With an emphasis on the unhurried enjoyment of delectable cuisine and the promise of little surprises throughout the meal, Caterina's aims to recreate the charm and warmth of a bygone era, all in a thoroughly modern setting.

Here's what people have to say:

Live your lives outside your phones, people!

True!

Talk like it's 1995!

Yeah, QRs are a big no.

Here's the crew:

Some people have some reservations, however...

If it ain't for you, then it ain't for you.

Oopsies.

Some people were expressing their thoughts on how this comes off as being an ableist...

A nightmare for introverts!

A sad truth.

Yep, we can imagine it would be bad for solo diners.

It keeps us entertained, after all!

Phones, whether we like it or not, have truly become a necessity throughout the years, and while we do appreciate and understand Tim's sentiments, we also understand how some of these people are skeptical. But yep, at the end of the day, if this restaurant is not for you, then it's not for you!

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia