Jawdat Ibrahim Israeli restaurateur Country: Israel

Biography of Jawdat Ibrahim

Jawdat Ibrahim is an Israeli restaurateur who is known for offering his customers a 50 percent discount if they do not use their mobile phones while dining at his restaurant. He firmly believes that smartphones and other devices have destroyed the dining experience. In 1993, Ibrahim opened his restaurant 'Abu Ghosh', named after the city of the same name. Interestingly, he won the money to start his business in the American lottery, and over the years, his establishment has become one of the best restaurants in Abu Ghosh.

In the 1980s, Ibrahim lived in the United States, and his famous lottery win in Illinois amounted to a huge sum of $23 million. After returning to Israel, Jawdat ventured into the restaurant business, as he had no financial constraints. It should be noted that offering a discount for customers not using their phones during meals is not Ibrahim's invention. However, a 50 percent discount is something new. Jawdat believes that this discount is not wastefulness but rather a contribution to the future. Today, his restaurant is already renowned, and the owner intends to strengthen and solidify his position over time.

In 2010, 'Abu Ghosh' restaurant even made it into the Guinness World Records for serving the largest plate of hummus, a popular and beloved Israeli dish made from chickpeas. Jawdat firmly believes that during meals, especially when dining with others, it is essential to see each other's eyes, sample culinary delights together, and enjoy good food. Mobile phones and smartphones, on the other hand, quickly and irreversibly turn even the most exquisite food into mere sustenance. Unfortunately, public opinion polls stubbornly indicate that people happily use their phones during meals, reading and sending text messages, checking emails, and browsing their social media pages.

Not all of Jawdat's customers are willing to take advantage of the discount; about half of the guests prefer to pay for their meals in full rather than parting with their beloved smartphones. However, the remaining half appreciates the restaurant owner's initiative and accepts it with gratitude and joy. Many visitors, especially foreigners, are convinced that the discount is just another marketing ploy and trick. When they see that their bill is actually reduced by half, they are pleasantly surprised.

Initially, Ibrahim tried collecting customers' mobile phones at the entrance, but later he decided that it would be more honest and noble to trust his customers at their word. Turning off the phone simply means turning it off, and he is willing to believe in the honesty of the deal. It should be noted that customers pay the restaurant owner with their integrity, and there has never been any deception.

"We want people to communicate with each other, not with their phones," says Jawdat Ibrahim. In addition to his significant social mission, Jawdat, as a businessman, also has a personal goal. It is unlikely that a person whose mind is completely occupied by a smartphone will be able to recognize the subtle taste of a dish. They will only automatically satisfy their hunger, without appreciating the chef's efforts and the restaurant's service. On the other hand, with their phone turned off, a person will surely take a moment to savor the true taste of exquisite dishes. The next time they want to have a delicious lunch, they will undoubtedly come to Jawdat Ibrahim's restaurant.