Mercator wrote about TableTop Media’s Ziosk pay-at-table and infotainment device three years ago. Since that time, the company has completed its development, moved through beta testing, and now has production systems in a number of fast casual restaurants. The firm just announced an expansion of its footprint with Chilis franchises.
One of the benefits touted by the company is the fact that the customer never hands her payment card to the server, a significant fraud risk. Until EMV is everywhere (10 years from now) risk avoidance approaches like this make sense. Especially when they entertain the kids while waiting for the food to show up.
Through its pay-at-the-table functionality, the Ziosk eliminates the frustration of waiting for a busy server. Guests can view and pay their checks at their convenience with credit, debit and gift card payment options. The Ziosk also offers guests the flexibility of splitting the check and auto-calculating the tip.
Guests can feel that their payment information is secure when paying on the Ziosk because their credit card never leaves their hand. Jack Baum, TableTop Media Chairman said, “67% of credit card theft takes place in restaurants, but paying on the Ziosk eliminates that security risk like other card readers have done at grocery stores, gas stations and virtually every other industry with credit card payment.”