Restaurants

Appetize introduces payment technology for sports, entertainment, hospitality, foodservice

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May 17, 2021

Appetize, a digital commerce platform, has introduced Appetize Payments, an all-in-one solution that combines payment processing services along with Appetize's cloud software, according to a press release. Launched at a time when larger venues and hospitality brands are looking to unify their tech stack, Appetize Payments eliminates the need for third-party services, provides transparency in pricing and offers a single point of support.

"We launched Appetize Payments due to increasing demand from enterprise customers for a more streamlined and transparent payment solution," Kevin Anderson, Appetize chief strategy officer and co-founder, said in the press release. "Offering our own payments solution in addition to our industry-leading software suite reduces friction, and will ultimately allow our customers to focus on growing their business. This is an important next chapter in the evolution of our platform."

Appetize Payments is now available in all Appetize products for multiple industries including sports and entertainment, attractions, foodservice, education and restaurants.

All Appetize Payments-enabled software and hardware supports dip, tap, scan, RFID and NFC functionality, digital currencies/wallets and the leading loaded value and gift card platforms.

The system provides one point of contact for all inquiries across payments, point-of-sale systems and back-of-house software, gateway and processor vendors.

Appetize also supports PCI validated point-to-point encryption solutions that allow for a reduced network scope and security assessment.

Since the product launch, more than 50% of new Appetize partners have signed up for it, including Hale & Hearty, FC Cincinnati, Allen Eagle Stadium and Hillsboro Hops.

Appetize Payments offers free enrollment in interchange saving programs to reduce card brand fees and in-person installation if onsite assistance is required. There is no long-term commitment or early termination fees, with the goal of taking the pain out of payments for businesses, while improving experiences for customers every day

The offering works with Appetize's full suite of omnichannel solutions, including POS devices, self-service kiosks and handhelds. Management and staff have access to Appetize's Activate software, which allows devices to switch seamlessly among stores, revenue centers and service modes; Interact, which provides self-service capabilities through kiosks and mobile web; and Connect, a web-based management portal designed to power multi-site operations, giving venues a real-time management, reporting and analytics platform that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime.

"Adopting Appetize Payments allowed us to have an all-in-one solution that conveniently streamlines our payments and software," said Eric Sanchez, controller at fast casual restaurant chain Hale & Hearty. "The platform simplifies our support and reporting models, and ultimately, saves us money on every transaction processed since we no longer have to pay a percentage to a third party."