Apple Pay Headed Directly to Restaurant Tables With 'PrestoPrime EMV' Terminals

Pay-at-table terminal manufacturer E la Carte today announced that Apple Pay is coming to its new state-of-the-art "PrestoPrime EMV" line, thanks to an included NFC reader that will also support Android Pay, Samsung Pay, and mobile wallets that use QR codes. E la Carte's previous terminals included NFC, but lacked EMV certification, which Apple Pay requires since it complies to the latest EMV standards for tokenizing transactions.

With the addition of Apple Pay support, restaurant guests will be able to pay for their meal at the table with a quick tap of their iPhone. Users can also pay with a traditional swipe method, or use the new EMV chip reader to insert any newly-issued credit card with a chip inside of it. The terminals also have a "store and forward" ability that allows guests to continue to pay for food and drinks even if the restaurant loses power or internet connectivity.

“Brick-and-mortar payments and security requirements have changed dramatically in the last 5 years. We wanted to take a leadership role in helping our partners navigate these volatile waters, while also generating direct operating benefits that offer a real hard dollar ROI to recoup their investment,” said Raj Suri, CEO and founder of E la Carte. “Combining robust security with a frictionless user experience, PrestoPrime EMV sets the bar as the best tabletop platform available to restaurant operators.”

Pay-at-table terminals have become more popular over the years, with companies like E la Carte and Ziosk offering customers quick access to menus and payment methods at restaurants like Applebee's, Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and more. Most of the terminals, including PrestoPrime, also include limited paid gaming features intended to pass the wait time for food orders.

E la Carte's reach in the industry currently extends to over 1,800 restaurants across the United States, centering on Applebee's and Outback Steakhouse locations.

Related Roundup: Apple Pay

Top Rated Comments

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gmcalpin

22 months ago

Oh that's going to fit right in…
:rolleyes:

They're in places like Chili's and Applebee's. Not exactly fine dining, man.

Rating: 12 Votes

TheAppleFairy

22 months ago

How is this different from handheld wireless POS machines that already support tap-to-pay? Restaurants around here have had those for a few years.

The first one sits on the table and you can order food from it as well and see your entire bill, pay for overpriced games too.

Rating: 8 Votes

dwaltwhit

22 months ago

Another product that most restaurants in America are going to have a really hard time justifying. (Notice how it's only the bigger chains that buy the tableside tablets?)

I'm telling you: pay at the table is going to be relatively uncommon in the US compared to elsewhere. Why should most places spend the extra money on even the handheld terminals mentioned above when tip adjust is still possible and PIN isn't mandatory with the chip? Restaurants that want to accept Apple Pay are almost better off doing so via an app like OpenTable, as at least they won't have to buy anything new that way.

(Note: this is based on my experience with chip at US restaurants so far, which admittedly isn't all that many places. My card was still taken away and brought back at nearly every single one, however.)

I think the benefit of these is it seems like it would increase orders. If I have an easy way to order extra stuff without having to wait for a server, I'm probably more likely to spend more money.

Rating: 6 Votes

arkitect

22 months ago

Oh that's going to fit right in…
:rolleyes:

Edit: And you can play games? Even less reason for people to have a conversation while sharing a meal.

Edit 2: And I can only imagine servers/waiters are going to get stiffed royally.

Edit 3:

allows guests to continue to pay for food and drinks even if the restaurant loses power or internet connectivity.

As opposed to heading straight for the exit under cover of darkness.

Rating: 6 Votes

cerote

22 months ago

I think the benefit of these is it seems like it would increase orders. If I have an easy way to order extra stuff without having to wait for a server, I'm probably more likely to spend more money.

Also if I can pay right when I want to pay without having to wait for server is nice. Person above pointed to some places that have these. Table service is not exactly fast.

Another bonus is your card doesn't leave your sight. And now apple pay would make little more secure.

Rating: 3 Votes

TheAppleFairy

22 months ago

Then why call them restaurants? Surely Fast food joints is more appropriate?

"…divided by a common language… ;)

They aren't fast food places....just chain restaurants, not terrible, not great. Just average food.

Rating: 3 Votes

E3BK

22 months ago

How is this different from handheld wireless POS machines that already support tap-to-pay? Restaurants around here have had those for a few years.

These still aren't used in the US. I don't get the aversion to this in the States.

Rating: 3 Votes

dannyyankou

22 months ago

Personally, I'd rather pay from my phone than use a clunky tablet that I don't know how to operate. They use them at Pizzeria Uno, they're really bad.

Rating: 2 Votes

avanpelt

22 months ago

From a customer perspective it's great. It's ecosystem agnostic, convenient, and your financials never leave your possession.

It is convenient, and someone's card never leaves their possession, which is good. However, I think the staff at these restaurants will come to hate these screens. Here's why...

These screens basically turn the wait staff into robots that carry orders to tables and refill drinks. That's all. They have no real interaction with the people they're serving. The fact of the matter is that I'm less likely to leave a generous tip for someone if I place the order myself and all they do is bring it to me and refill my drink.

While I love tech, I think these screens may be a bust in the long-term. I think staff will be unhappy because the average amount of each tip will go down; and customers will be unhappy because while the system is quick and convenient, they won't be served in the same way they've grown accustomed to being served when going out to eat. Unhappy staff and unhappy customers is a lose-lose scenario for these restaurant chains.

Rating: 2 Votes

now i see it

22 months ago

WOOD-U-LYKE-ANUTHR-DRINK?