Reading the comments here it’s clear to me that there are two kinds of people:
1) Those that like QR code menus. Going to a restaurant is not pleasure, it’s just an annoying means of getting food and the aim is to make it as efficient as a factory. No talking, no waiting, no eye contact at all if possible, ideally they would have a robot by the table that could spoon feed them so they never have to put their phone down and use their time to be mega efficient by looking at some spreadsheets.
2) people who see the act of going to a restaurant as a way of enjoying life. They don’t mind waiting a little bit for the waiter. They have great company and already enjoy a nice conversation. They probably already have a nice cocktail in their hands which they got from the bar whilst waiting for the table. They love looking around at other people, love looking at other peoples plates to get inspired for what they might want to eat themselves. Those people are in no rush. They don’t need to be anywhere else, they enjoy spending time together so it doesn’t matter where. They love talking to the waiter and ask which items on the menu are customer’s favourites or if the chef has a special recommendation today based on the seasonal produce they managed to source on that day. They love to discover new wines based on recommendations instead of always picking the same drink off the menu. These people take pleasure in the process and the experience and therefore hate QR codes and everything that comes with it. They hate paying via the app before being able to ask the waiter if the tips get fairly shared. These people take pride in whatever they do and enjoy light hearted banter with the staff and can leave a bar man or waiter with a smile even on a long day.
Personally I am category two. Life is to be lived. There is a time and place for a quick and efficient meal, but that is takeout and not going to a restaurant for me.
I don't like QR code menus, and I don't fit in either of the categories you describe.
I am in no rush, don't need to be anywhere else, and enjoy the time I spend with those accompanying me. And yet, if there was a way to just push a button somewhere and have the food I ordered delivered to my table, I'd love that.
I don't like being asked if the food is to my liking while I'm eating, and I'd like to just push yet another button to pay, without having to deal with waiting for waiters to come to my table.
No, I don't want to look at spreadsheets, but I also don't want to spend any more energy than I have to by making banter with the staff, light hearted or not.
Life is to be lived, but there's more than one way to live it.
> Life is to be lived, but there's more than one way to live it.
Touché. That's a great comment and I've upvoted you for it!
(I know I over exaggerated in my description to make a point. I didn't expect people to take it serious down to every word. I merely wanted to convey a sentiment and how people approach dining so differently)
1) Those that like QR code menus. Going to a restaurant is not pleasure, it’s just an annoying means of getting food and the aim is to make it as efficient as a factory. No talking, no waiting, no eye contact at all if possible, ideally they would have a robot by the table that could spoon feed them so they never have to put their phone down and use their time to be mega efficient by looking at some spreadsheets.
2) people who see the act of going to a restaurant as a way of enjoying life. They don’t mind waiting a little bit for the waiter. They have great company and already enjoy a nice conversation. They probably already have a nice cocktail in their hands which they got from the bar whilst waiting for the table. They love looking around at other people, love looking at other peoples plates to get inspired for what they might want to eat themselves. Those people are in no rush. They don’t need to be anywhere else, they enjoy spending time together so it doesn’t matter where. They love talking to the waiter and ask which items on the menu are customer’s favourites or if the chef has a special recommendation today based on the seasonal produce they managed to source on that day. They love to discover new wines based on recommendations instead of always picking the same drink off the menu. These people take pleasure in the process and the experience and therefore hate QR codes and everything that comes with it. They hate paying via the app before being able to ask the waiter if the tips get fairly shared. These people take pride in whatever they do and enjoy light hearted banter with the staff and can leave a bar man or waiter with a smile even on a long day.
Personally I am category two. Life is to be lived. There is a time and place for a quick and efficient meal, but that is takeout and not going to a restaurant for me.