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Frankie and Bennys banning mobile phones. Is this good or bad?

25 replies

CocoDeMoll · 30/11/2018 21:56

I can’t make my mind up.
They will give kids free meals if the parents give up all screen devices (which get locked away till the bill is payed) for the duration of their meal.

Part of me think, ok that’s not bad I see what they’re trying to achieve but part of me thinks fuck off telling customers how to enjoy their free time. What do you think?

Sorry no link, I heard it on the local radio station this morning Grin

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Flaffable · 30/11/2018 21:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

dementedpixie · 30/11/2018 21:58

Frankie and Bennys is shite so I wouldn't eat there anyway. I wouldn't trust them with my phone either tbh

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MaisyPops · 30/11/2018 21:58

It's quite a silly but fun idea.
Nobody is forcing anyone to do it and some down time without screens is a rare luxury these days (I'm guilty of browsing my phone whilst watching TV with DH for example).

I'm sure the perpetually offended will be up in arms but life's too short.

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IStandWithPosie · 30/11/2018 22:01

They must be really struggling if they’re having to give away free kids meals:

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Shriek · 30/11/2018 22:01

Great idea! I don't see the point tnin going out to socialise, and then don't!

Not sure about keeping all those phones though, and quite sad that it has to take those measures to just socialise

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IStandWithPosie · 30/11/2018 22:02

And it’s not really banning phones. It’s just a special offer with terms and conditions.

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itsbritneybiatches · 30/11/2018 22:03

Bad. It's to stop people texting other people
Saying "am in Frankie and benny's and the food is shit and cold again"

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CocoDeMoll · 30/11/2018 22:03

We’re ok without screens but occasionally they can be a lifesaver.

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scrappydappydoo · 30/11/2018 22:05

Well they haven’t banned them have they you have a choice - free kids meal or mobile phone. I’m tight so I’d probably give up my phone for a free meal as long as they don’t take ages with meal which is generally my experience at frankie and bennys

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AlexanderHamilton · 30/11/2018 22:09

No way. Autistic ds needs his mobile or iPad so he can zone out whilst waiting an excruciatingly long amount of time for his meal. He needs to zone out because of the dreadful background music etc in there. Unfortunately it’s one of the few places he will eat the food.

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KlutzyDraconequus · 30/11/2018 22:12

I don't like Frankie and Benny's, seems like cheap food being passed off as expensive just because they play some 50s records outside. This new idea won't change my mind.

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Topseyt · 30/11/2018 22:14

I've never eaten in Frankie and Benny's, but I wouldn't hand over my phone to anyone while I am out.

I don't spend time in restaurants looking at my phone. If I am with family and or friends I keep it in my bag and interact properly. I have never given it or any other device to my children, not that mobile phones or tablets were really such a thing when they were very young.

If it is an attempt to police internet use then it would honestly put me off going in anyway.

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Topseyt · 30/11/2018 22:16

I also think it smacks of desperation.

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Sleepyblueocean · 30/11/2018 22:17

You'll be without your phone for hours, the speed of their service.

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BarbedBloom · 30/11/2018 22:37

No way I would hand over my phone to someone else while out. But I don’t sit and look at it anyway.

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Samcro · 30/11/2018 22:43

Sleepyblueocean Fri 30-Nov-18 22:17:26
You'll be without your phone for hours, the speed of their service.

this

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BartholinsSister · 30/11/2018 22:53

It's to keep people off TripAdvisor.

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citiesofbismuth · 30/11/2018 23:15

I'm autistic and I'll keep my phone thanks. It helps me deal with my anxiety. I can still talk to the other people at the table.

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Shriek · 02/12/2018 01:11

I wouldn't let any restaurant have mine or DCs phones though, and I don't think I'll eat at Frankie & Benny's now though anyway after reviews here!

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Kescilly · 02/12/2018 01:18

I was under the impression that you didn’t have to hand them over completely. I thought they just go in a box at the table and you get a free children’s meal. Not really banning them at all, just encouraging people to spend time interacting with each other over dinner.

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Shriek · 02/12/2018 01:20

Ah..well that's OK, but still not going there now.

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Needanewgilet · 02/12/2018 01:40

I think it’s an interesting promotion that’s getting people talking and driving brand awareness. There’s no pressure to do it unless you want to do I don’t see a problem with it.

HOWEVER, have any of you been into any of the newly refurbished F&Bs? They are awful! I used to quite like the cosy booths and the 1940s and 50s music and the black and white photos on the wall - it felt cosy. The food was never amazing, but it was always an ok place to go for a child friendly meal hen mine were very young. But now they’ve made them really bright and more like a diner set up. It looks cheap and unwelcoming. Ever since my local one has been done up it’s been practically empty on the few occasions I’ve been in. It always used to be busy.

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LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 02/12/2018 01:43

Suspect it's to stop you taking photos of the food. The last time I was in there it was utterly disgusting. They lost 4 adult customers that day (DCs all liked it up till then) - even my ds with ASD said 'this is really different and really yucky'.

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LotsToThinkOf · 02/12/2018 01:53

Well it's presuming that every person on a mobile device is ignoring everyone around them. Some of us have to keep working, which requires the use of a mobile device. Some of us have to have taking our DC out for tea as enough, because we have to work at the same time.

Fucking judgemental much??

And the poster who is sick of seeing people ignoring their family because they're on their phones - Close your eyes if you don't like it. You don't know how that family interact with each other or how often.

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Shriek · 02/12/2018 02:06

Get real! Fgs! Generally considered rude to work at the dining table, whether involving phone or not.
Just stop for 15 mins to eat, with your DC.
How horrible sitting at a table with someone working, presumably you can't be spending quality time that you can't even take 15-30 to converse while eating!

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