Wouldn’t it be great to enjoy a family meal without the interruption of cell phones? A new promotion by the family-friendly fast food chain, Chick-fil-A, can make it happen for you! And you get free ice cream to boot!

The Daily Mail is reporting on the new promotion which is offering free ice cream to any family who is willing to drop off their cell phone in specially made “cell phone coop” boxes before dining. All members must sit through the entire meal without touching their phones in order to qualify.

Thus far, more than 150 Chick-Fil-A locations around the country are taking part in the challenge that began in Suwanee, Georgia when Chick-Fil-A operator Brad Williams decided to reduce distraction during meals.

“We really want our restaurant to provide a sense of community for our customers, where family and friends can come together and share quality time with one another,” Williams said. “But as we all know, technology increasingly demands more of our time and can be a big distraction, even while we’re eating.”

We’ve all been there – sitting through a meal, half listening to the conversation while checking text messages and scrolling through Instagram. It’s distracting to everyone, including ourselves.

So Williams got to work developing the “Cell Phone Coop” which is a small square box that sits on the table while families are enjoying a meal. The rules of the challenge are simple:

1. Turn all family cell phones to silent and place in this cell phone coop
2. Enjoy your Chick-fil-A meal and each other distraction free!
3. After the meal, let Chick-fil-A know that your family has successfully completed the challenge and each of you will receive a small Icedream cone.

It was an instant hit with customers.

“The challenge has completely taken off,’ Williams said. ‘We have families who aren’t successful the first time and come back to try again. We even have people asking to take the boxes home with them! Our whole community is talking about it.”

Click here to find out if the challenge is being offered in your neighborhood. If one isn’t available, try a DIY version at home, offering a special treat to anyone who is willing to get off the phone long enough to enjoy a good old-fashioned family meal.

© All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com