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

[CocoDeMoll]

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

I also think it smacks of desperation.

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

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

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

this

It's to keep people off TripAdvisor.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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'.

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.

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!