WHAT IT IS?
‘Maison Saigon’ (Bangkok, Thailand) is a Vietnamese restaurant that came up with a simple and adorable idea with the only purpose to cheer guests up. For every table, one chair is dedicated to a panda doll. Alone or with your friends, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal with the company of a panda. Some people may think this is corny, but the panda dolls can help you feel more relaxed about what people think of you when you are having dinner alone. It also helps to keep a distance during the pandemic.
WHY IT´S COOL?
This idea lets people feel more persuaded to go out if they are alone. From a dinner alone with your phone to a candlelight dinner with the cutest animal in the world! But before taking your phone off, a selfie with the panda doll is a must.
WHY IT HAS FUTURE GROWTH POTENTIAL?
This simple concept can be readapted and elaborated as a potential strategy for the hospitality industry. The panda dolls could be replaced by robot pandas, for instance, equally cute and funny, but able to interact with guests. In this case, guests may even be entertained with stories and jokes. Of course, robots can’t be compared with real humans, and will never have their emotional intelligence, but these initiatives can help people to feel more comfortable while being alone in public spaces.
For further information about Maison Saigon:
Carl Rohde
Rahim Ennassiri
sherrelies isabella
Cornelia Natasha
Elie Daccache
Aya Mheidly
Junior Mokoma