A staff member shows a card saying “Hello, how could I help you?” at a restaurant in Beijing, on Dec 3, 2018. [Photo/IC]
The “Forgive Barbecue” located in 798 Art Zone, Beijing, is a startup project for hearing-impaired people. Different from other places, this “silent” restaurant welcomes customers with a guide card reading “welcome, how many people?” with order cards and tablets displayed on each table.
Although staff members are unable to speak with customers, they understand customers’ requests through a simple facial expression, an action, or even a look. When the requests are complicated, the employees use writing tablets.
Customers feel good about this kind of communication; with many of them even leaving notes on the message board praising the staff members.
As one of the employees said, the restaurant is a bridge to connect hearing-impaired people with other people. Employees get a chance to learn about the society and have their own careers.
View of front door of the “Forgive Barbecue” located in 798 Art Zone, Beijing, on Dec 3, 2018. [Photo/IC]A waitress’s apron reads “Forgive me for not able to hear you, but I’ll try my best to serve you.” [Photo/IC]A waitress sets the table. [Photo/IC]Sign language tips hang from the ceiling. [Photo/IC]Many customers leave notes on the message board praising the staff members. [Photo/IC]The watch on the waist of a staff member shows details of customer requests after customers press the call button. [Photo/IC]Cards saying “Order dishes”, “Add soup”, and “Invoice” are seen at a restaurant in Beijing, on Dec 3, 2018. [Photo/IC]Two staff members communicate with sign language at a restaurant in Beijing, on Dec 3, 2018. [Photo/IC]
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