Pizza Express

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Terence McDermott on November 8, 2010 at 17:14

ooo, brilliant Janet. Did you mention Lary? This could be a great way to get publicity for voice problems and our social and the idea that there is a demand for quiet dining!

Permalink Reply by Quiet voice on November 8, 2010 at 17:53

well done you! nothing like striking while the iron's hot - maybe they'll send us some free vouchers or ask us to a taste test!

Permalink Reply by Janet Taplin on November 8, 2010 at 17:54

Yes I did, I said that in a recent group discussion about good places for people with voice problems to socialise that Pizza Express came at the bottom of the list due to the clatter and poor acoustics, I also mentioned that we had agreed that theirs were the best Pizzas around so hopefully they will take the comment on board or at least acknowledge it. I guess it's a case of watch this space...

Permalink Reply by Janet Taplin on November 10, 2010 at 13:47

Copy of Email I sent to Pizza Express...

From: Janet Taplin
Subject: Acoustics and noise levels

Message Body:
Hi, I am encouraged to hear that you are looking at the acoustics of your restaurants. I am a member of a voice problem support group and unfortunately during a recent discussion on good places to socialise your chain came bottom of the list as it is not at all voice friendly, people who can only speak quietly cannot be heard over all the echo and clatters created by your current design. This is a shame as we all agreed that your pizzas are the best around. Will your new design be focused upon reducing this ’clatter’ and the general noise levels in your restaurants? If so we at the Lary Project would be very interested in hearing about it.

Thank you

Janet Taplin

Copy of the response I got yesterday...

Hi Janet,


Thanks for your feedback. We agree with you about the acoustics, and it has been one of the areas thats received most attention in the new PizzaExpress. One of the biggest innovations will be our incorporation of acoustic sound design that will enhance the customer experience. We are working with Sergio Luzzi, an Italian acoustician and University professor, and the global authority on all things acoustic, who is considering how we manage sound best in our restaurants.

We’ll be incorporating some really cool parabolic lights that will hang above each table and are sound insulated like a recording studio. These will help block out noise from outside and improve conversation at the tables which is a top priority of ours. They will also have ipod docking stations so that customers can provide their own music if they wish. We like to say that we feed great conversations, and are investing a lot of time and effort into seeing how we can improve this.



I hope you'll be able to try the restaurant out for yourself and let us know what you think.



All the best

Alex

No offers of a free pizza :-(

Permalink Reply by Quiet voice on November 11, 2010 at 17:27

that sounds really good though! why not write back and offer our help in customer testing?!



Janet Taplin said:

Copy of Email I sent to Pizza Express...

From: Janet Taplin
Subject: Acoustics and noise levels

Message Body:
Hi, I am encouraged to hear that you are looking at the acoustics of your restaurants. I am a member of a voice problem support group and unfortunately during a recent discussion on good places to socialise your chain came bottom of the list as it is not at all voice friendly, people who can only speak quietly cannot be heard over all the echo and clatters created by your current design. This is a shame as we all agreed that your pizzas are the best around. Will your new design be focused upon reducing this ’clatter’ and the general noise levels in your restaurants? If so we at the Lary Project would be very interested in hearing about it.

Thank you

Janet Taplin

Copy of the response I got yesterday...

Hi Janet,


Thanks for your feedback. We agree with you about the acoustics, and it has been one of the areas thats received most attention in the new PizzaExpress. One of the biggest innovations will be our incorporation of acoustic sound design that will enhance the customer experience. We are working with Sergio Luzzi, an Italian acoustician and University professor, and the global authority on all things acoustic, who is considering how we manage sound best in our restaurants.

We’ll be incorporating some really cool parabolic lights that will hang above each table and are sound insulated like a recording studio. These will help block out noise from outside and improve conversation at the tables which is a top priority of ours. They will also have ipod docking stations so that customers can provide their own music if they wish. We like to say that we feed great conversations, and are investing a lot of time and effort into seeing how we can improve this.



I hope you'll be able to try the restaurant out for yourself and let us know what you think.



All the best

Alex

No offers of a free pizza :-(