Restaurants

Pasadena restaurants launch 'face-pay' network, allow touchless payment

Image courtesy of Cali Group.

August 14, 2020

A group of Pasadena, California restaurants and retailers have established a "face-pay" network to allow customers to make touchless purchases using facial recognition, according to a press release. The network was established in response to the state's COVID-19 restrictions.

PopID, a Cali Group company, announced the city-wide deployment of its PopPay "face-pay" service following the rollout of its PopEntry facial recognition device that lets workers and students safely "scan-in" to their workplace and college campus facilities. Users can now add a credit or debit card to their PopID accounts for a hands-free alternative to cash, credit cards or Apple Pay.

"In each new city we enter, we initially focus on installing PopEntry systems in the workplace and on local college campuses," John Miller, chairman of Cali Group and CEO of PopID, said in the press release. "As these communities grow comfortable using PopID to check in, we enlist area restaurants and retailers to offer PopPay for transactions."

Customers can take advantage of PopID's facial recognition payment service in one of a number of ways: at the drive-thru, at an in-venue kiosk, via a display screen affixed to the sneeze-guard at the counter, or tableside with a waiter scanning the patron's face using a hand-held Android device.

Once recognized, the business draws from the customer's PopID account before sending a text message confirming payment. PopID accounts also tie to loyalty programs for automatic credit with every purchase. The user has full control over their account and can opt out of the secure service at any time.

Pasadena restaurants and retailers now accepting PopPay include: