as we know them?
I ask this question based on a couple of news reports I saw tonight. One from St. Louis. . . another from Chicago.
The "technology" . . . apps for food delivery services such as Uber and Grub Hub. Where you never have to leave your home to enjoy your favorite foods.
On the plus side. . I do understand the convenience. You don't have to drive. . park. . .walk to your place of choice. . . and stand in line sometimes. You push a few buttons. . . settle in for the night and voila. . .a knock on the door and it's there.
The news report in St. Louis was about a few places in the Central West End district. . . and one of the reasons they cited for the closures was this "service." There is declining foot traffic. Empty tables. . . and slowing profitable sales.
Another report was about a pizzaria in Chicago with the same empty tables. . . for the same reason. And further being forced to now sell fried chicken, because there's a lot of demand for that in the area. . . according to Uber.
What I find sad about this is restaurants, bar and grills and dives have always been forums to get away from the norm. . . to meet new people. . . to exchange ideas. . . even, sometimes, end in marriages.
What I find even sadder, is that this is another movement that continues to place us in isolation from the world outside. And it reminds me of the cartoon movie "WALL-E". . . where the inhabitants of the space ship did nothing but push buttons to get whatever they wanted. . . which transformed them into obese, lethargic beings.
Maybe I'm overreacting. . . and I'm sure it won't kill this ages old industry. . . but would it be possible we'll be missing places. . . "where everybody knows your name."
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