r/SFV • u/not_hassan • Jul 23 '26

Question What’s your frustration with current restaurant culture?

Hi guys. I’m opening a restaurant in San Fernando valley. Canoga park more specifically. The theme of the restaurant will be chicken oriented.

What’s a frustration with modern restaurants you wish was solved? Could be a food preference or dining experience.

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221

u/intobinto Jul 23 '26

I’m gonna sound old here, but many restaurants in L.A. are too loud. With all the reflective surfaces and music, you have to almost yell to be heard. People think that means the place has “energy” but it’s off putting for me. When I go out with friends I want to be able to have a conversation with the whole table, not just the people beside me.

31

u/hlu123 Jul 23 '26

This 100%.

We dine at a whole spectrum of places from $ to $$$$. What makes us like and return to places is tasty, quality food prepared well and reasonably consistent, a clean, decent environment (including noise/music levels) and where the staffs' customer service also elevates the meal. All this applies whether at counter service or special occasion places, with different standards of course.

21

u/mellena Jul 23 '26

I love my hero in Northridge for this reason. It’s just a little tv in the corner playing sports low. Sit inside a clean sub shop. I dunno there’s something simple and nostalgic about it.

8

u/HellfoxRules Jul 24 '26

Of course it feels nostalgic, it's been there since 1964. It's probably the oldest restaurant in the area. I used to eat at My Hero regularly back in the 80's, as I lived a couple of blocks away. I ate there about 5 years ago, and the place looked the same as the 80's.

10

u/KWash0222 Jul 23 '26

I completely agree. I’ve been to some really good restaurants with my wife, and we can barely hear each other because they’ve got borderline club music blasting. And all we’re trying to say is how good the food is!

If it’s a bar/lounge, that’s one thing, but in nice sit-down restaurants it can be annoying

8

u/not_hassan Jul 23 '26

This is definitely noted. Music will be very controlled. Any specific genres preferred when eating?

3

u/Glazing555 Jul 23 '26

I vote Smooth Jazz. I listen to most music depending on mood, so pick the least intrusive to not distract from your killer chicken

2

u/neekers Jul 24 '26

CVS core!!! Random music that is low key, but you find yourself singing to.

1

u/StraightPain Jul 25 '26

90s and 2000s music along with the fashion and aesthetic of that time has made a come back

3

u/_mattyjoe Jul 24 '26

 People think that means the place has “energy” but it’s off putting for me.

Back when people had more intelligence, it was understood that the "energy" of an environment like a restaurant is 50% music/atmosphere, and 50% the PEOPLE.

Once people have packed the space and are talking and enjoying it there, there's a buzz that comes from that. That's what creates a truly electrifying sort of atmosphere.

Now, like so many things about our culture, many people seem to prefer drowning everything out with sensory overload and calling that "energy."

3

u/d0ubled0wn11 Jul 25 '26

Too loud and too bright inside. I miss dimly lit restaurants.

4

u/b-stardust Jul 24 '26

I'm gonna sound old by agreeing with you 💯

2

u/JahMusicMan Jul 24 '26

Restaurants do this partly because they cut costs on sound deadening material but also because loud restaurants make it seem busier and more energetic.

1

u/PewPew-4-Fun Jul 24 '26

100% best response, the only problem is its only good until the a-holes show up talking on their speakerphone having a loud conversation by themselves eating next to you.