Kota Kai was frustrated. The restaurant owner in Tokyo, Japan, was tired of watching customers stare at their phones while their food got cold. Because they were distracted, they took a long time to finish their meals. So other guests had to wait longer for a table. In March, Kai banned people from using smartphones in his ramen shop during busy times.
Some diners like the rules Kai is serving. They point out that going to a restaurant is supposed to be about having a good time with friends and family. Many people think it’s rude to text or watch videos instead of talking to the people at your table.
But others say they shouldn’t be asked to turn off their phones. They argue that as long as the device is in silent mode, it’s not bothering anyone. Many customers say using their phones can actually be good for business. They can spread the word about restaurants by taking photos of their meals and posting them on social media.