I think that a lot of the problem is the design of more contemporary restaurants
- open formats
- hard/flat surfaces
- higher density of people
The other issue is when the conversation noise begins to rise, everyone ends up talking louder to compensate (thermal runaway situation).
Interesting, when I was traveling for business to Ottawa, there is a restaurant with a parabolic ceiling. You had to be very careful as it reflected noise to persons across the room as though you were sitting right next to them. Not good for private business conversations.
Jetskier
