Dining alone is one of the most solitary experiences a person can have. It’s a lot of “me time.” And if you’ve done a solo dining date then you’ve likely brought along a book or magazine. Something to pass the time. The Boston Globe posted a piece about Michael Sobelman’s ban on reading, and laptops, in his restaurant.
Sobelman’s reasoning for shutting off the lights when he noticed a customer reading is that he needs to turn over tables, and a reader could often linger for hours nursing a sandwich while they finish up those last few chapters. It’s a viewpoint shared by other private restaurant owners.
Most of us are used to seeing wi-fi availability at big chains like Starbucks or Panera Bread. We assume today that it’s acceptable to sit with a laptop or book for hours on end. Initially I was taken aback by the practice of Sobelman, and other owners like him, whom take a hard line approach to banning reading and laptops.
Personally it depends on the type of establishment. A quick dine and go style place such as a deli with limited seating needs to turn over customers just to stay in business. People don’t dine out as much anymore, and even an extra 30 minutes taken by a reader can cost a restaurant valuable cash.
And it’s not like there aren’t other choices. If you find it necessary to browse Facebook while eating out, then head to Panera. Or sit yourself down at the bar of a restaurant where it’s expected customers will be enjoying a meal for 1 to 2 hours. It’s about survival for these owners, and even without the loss of real estate caused by readers most are barely able to make ends meet.
