Digital Detox in Dining

Digital detox, phone-free dining and disconnected venues are a few terms restaurant operators need to pay attention to as Nielsen IQ on-premise research found that 21 percent of consumers have visited a site with some restrictions and 46 percent of all consumers said they would have better quality conversation or socialization in venues with a cell-phone ban policy. The trend is gaining traction as Axios recently revealed that there are restaurants and bars in at least 11 states with some form of phone restriction and getting nuanced responses from industry insiders.

Pros and Cons of Phone Usage in Dining

Rick Camac, Executive Director of Industry Relations at the Institute of Culinary Education, noted the pros and cons of phone usage in the dining experience. The pros include easier ordering and increased diner attention, leading to quicker orders. Venues that prefer privacy, such as Soho House, enforce policies against phone usage and photography, controlling the narrative that comes from their venues.

The downside is diminished social media attention, necessitating a dedicated PR or social media person to promote the venue, as influencers may be reluctant to visit and review.

“As diners, many of us like to photograph our food and drink, even take a call from time to time,” Camac said. “A solo diner may want to listen to a book or conduct business. I'd have to assume some would choose not to go to a venue that does not allow photography. Conversely, others may find it a welcome change.”

Evolving Dining Experiences

Milos Eric, General Manager at OysterLink, believes phone-free dining reflects a broader shift in the industry, moving beyond just food to immersive and intentional experiences. Most restaurants adopt a softer approach to enforcing no-phone rules, incentivizing customers instead. However, customers sharing their dining experiences on social media can drive considerable traffic to venues.

“On paper, phone-free dining feels like a return to traditional hospitality, focusing on presence and connection,” said Sanwar Mal Khokhar, Mixologist/Beverage Program Leader at Sanjh Restaurant & Bar in Irving, Texas. “However, in reality, phones help guests navigate menus and validate their choices.”

Khokhar observed that guests often use phones to look up unfamiliar ingredients, especially in places like Indian restaurants where many flavors might be new to them.

“When you remove this tool, you are asking them to trust the restaurant, which can increase pressure on staff to communicate effectively,” Khokhar explained.

The Balance Between Phone-Free and Connection

Khokhar noted the positive aspects of phone-free dining, such as longer conversations and a more intentional dining pace that allows guests to engage with their food and drinks more deeply.

“Phones today are part of the discovery ecosystem,” Khokhar added. “Guests create visibility for the brand and contribute to organic marketing. Removing phones requires restaurants to compensate with a more compelling in-person experience.”

Mick Carr, CEO of Grub Lab, argues that while phone restrictions might suit cocktail bars, they are impractical for family dining. Families often rely on phones to engage children during meals.

“The fix is not to remove the phones but to create restaurant experiences that are worth returning for,” Carr stated.

Izzy Kharasch, president and founder of Hospitality Works, Inc., emphasized the importance of sharing meals and fostering relationships during dining experiences.

“Meals together help build interactive skills that were missed during isolation caused by COVID, especially among the younger generation,” Kharasch noted.

Chick Fil A has implemented a voluntary phone container that rewards diners with a free ice cream cone if everyone at the table opts to go phone-free.

Khokhar concluded that phone-free dining can be effective if the overall dining experience is immersive and engaging enough to captivate guests' attention, leaving them less inclined to reach for their phones.

“It’s about creating an experience that naturally draws guests in, rendering their phones unnecessary.”