Do you dine in a restaurant or on your cell phone?

You go out for dinner one evening, after ordering and looking around the restaurant, you notice a family at a nearby table. Something looks odd. Soon it becomes clear. Not one of them is talking or looking at each other. Their downward facing heads give the impression they’re asleep, but the odd twitch and flurry of activity in their fingers makes it clear they’re awake. This is a modern mobile device family and they’re not as odd or rare as one may think. One-third to three-quarters of all people (depending on where you live) are now using mobile phones with Internet access to email, electronic messaging, and social networks – primarily Facebook. In fact, the worldwide web is so prominent that one in five people learn what is happening with family and friends online first. Yet this technology means in-person communication between people, like that family at that nearby table, is diminishing. People can be at the same table, but with their focus out ‘there’ somewhere, there is little to no interaction. Restaurateurs and chefs know handheld devices can negatively impact a diner’s experience. They prevent people from enjoying each other’s company, conversation, and the taste of the food. By using the cell phone to access the world or take pictures of food, patrons eat their meal at less-than-ideal temperatures. That impacts the flavor and experience. Some restaurants have found creative ways to keep cell phones put away by offering discounts and other incentives not to use them while dining. While other restaurants find value in patrons using cell phones because when they take photos and share them out on social media it helps their marketing and online profile. As you enjoy the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations - no matter what restaurant you dine in - enjoy and stay present with the company you keep. That online world will be there when you’re done.    Your Friendly Neighborhood Flooring Dealer,            Matt Capell            President of Capell Flooring and Interiors P.S.  Click the video link below to enter our St. Patrick's Day Testimonial Contest!  It is super fun, and doesn't cost you anything.  Grand Prize winner will get $200, and everybody will win something that takes the time to enter. The more places you write a testimonial, the more entries you will get!