Discount for a no-phone meal in LA restaurant

Eva, a restaurant based in Los Angeles, has come up with this novel offer for its diners, allowing 5% discount to customers who submit their mobile phones with the staff before beginning their meal.

Eva, a restaurant based in Los Angeles, has come up with this novel offer for its diners, allowing 5% discount to customers who submit their mobile phones with the staff before beginning their meal.The management believes this will ensure that diners truly relish the experience that the restaurant offers beyond food, and also bond with fellow diners. Closer home, city restaurants give the idea a big thumbs up.

Vineet Wadhwa, owner of FIO, says, “It’s a great idea and we would love to implement it. Our guests will have a relaxed, laidback meal once they submit their phones.” Lavpreet Singh of Cafe Cruise, agrees, “You go to a restaurant to unwind, so why stay glued to your phone? I won’t mind offering discount to those who will deposit their cellphones in order to enjoy their meals.”Diners, too, are game for the idea. Corporate professional Abhay Dawar, 26, says, “I don’t mind depositing my cellphone for a discounted meal at a restaurant. I will save some money, and my girlfriend will be happy too.”

But for some, the concept doesn’t work. Priyank Sukhija of Out of the Box Cafe, Hauz Khas, says, “Our guests are free to send mails, surf, chat or talk to friends while they are dining. Asking them to submit phones for a discount does not make sense at all.”