Chik-Fil-A Offers Free Ice Cream For Families Who Put Cellphones Away
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — We've all seen it. Two or more people seated for a meal at a restaurant and no one is talking -- they're too busy scrolling or texting or taking selfies.
At least one restaurant -- namely Chik-Fil-A -- is trying to break people from their cellphone addiction.
As KCAL9's Erica Nochlin reports, Chik-Fil-A wants to sweeten the deal.
Daniel Estrada, 10, sat down for dinner and immediately pulled out his cellphone.
He wasn't alone.
"I'm guilty of it, social media every once in awhile," said one woman.
"Everybody's on a phone," said one man.
"It can get out of hand where I'm just like scrolling and scrolling and scrolling," said one woman.
"It's constant. They just want to tune out," said another.
It's everywhere. Young kids, teens, even adults. Everyone's faces buried in their cellphones. -- not interacting with the people they're sitting with.
Chik-Fil-A is challenging families in at least 100 locations nationwide -- put away the cellphone and then put away some ice cream -- on the house.
A waitress at the Long Beach location explained what's behind the challenge.
"Just to bring family's closer together,: she said.
How does it work? Simple. Family members place their phones on silent, put them in the cell phone "coop", enjoy a distraction free dinner and if you complete it - get free ice cream.
John Howard, Franchise Owner of Chick-fil-A in Long Beach
"This is a great incentive to put the phones down, put the technology down and get to know each other a little more," says John Howard, owner of the Chik-Fil-A franchise in Long Beach. "Something so simple can be impactful."
So did it work?
Ellie Rinker, 7, says yes.
"We could all talk as a family," she said.
But what about tech-obsessed teens?
"We got to like laugh more, we got to talk to each other more," says Monica Ford.
"We found out all about her day and the party she went to earlier today," said her mom.
This family is considering even taking the challenge home.
"Put our phones in the middle of the table and just talk," said Monica.
Daniel, his mom and their friends also liked the idea.
"I think it's pretty good," Daniel said.
And the free ice cream wasn't bad either.
