U.S. Bank and Elavon become payments partner of California Restaurant Association

Payment processors U.S. Bank and its wholly owned subsidiary Elavon have signed a partnership agreement with the California Restaurant Association (CRA) to offer customized payment solutions to restaurants across California.

The partnership with the state-wide trade association, which represents 22,000 member locations, comes after recent research by U.S. Bank and Elavon revealed that 70% of restaurant-sector respondents say customers’ ability to order and pay quickly influences their choice of restaurant.

Jamie Walker, chief executive officer of Elavon, said: “The California Restaurant Association needed a payments partner that could help add affinity partners, offer additional value and service options, and maintain and grow memberships.

“We plan to deliver on those needs through marketing support, state-wide support and our full suite of banking and payment services.”

Walker added that six in 10 restaurant finance leaders are seeing increased requests from diners to use alternative payment methods, such as peer-to-peer (P2P), as well as mobile wallets, while 47% of survey respondents are boosting spending on contactless devices.

“Embracing payments transformation through partnerships like this can help restaurant owners reduce operational expenditure, improve cash flow and enhance customers’ dining and takeout experiences,” he said.

Through the partnership, California restaurant owners will be able to make use of U.S. Bank’s banking and payments solutions, including capabilities such as menu, order and employee management, invoicing, banking services, and the ability to view sales data in real-time via one dashboard.

U.S. Bank recently acquired MUFG Union Bank, boosting U.S. Bank and Elavon’s presence and service offerings in California.

“Our members are always looking for partners who can provide high value and excellent service,” said Mike Doerr, CRA chief operating officer.

“We believe our Association partnership with Elavon will provide that, and Elavon’s service is offered at an attractive price point to CRA members.”