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.

Two staff members communicate with sign language at a restaurant in Beijing, on Dec 3, 2018.

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.

A waitress sets the table.

A waitress's apron reads "Forgive me for not able to hear you, but I'll try my best to serve you."

View of front door of the "Forgive Barbecue" located in 798 Art Zone, Beijing, on Dec 3, 2018. (Photos: Chinadaily.com.cn)