Operations

Customers can thank 'Sunday' for 10-second payments

Photo provided

April 16, 2021

Customers in the U.S. and Europe can say goodbye to waiting for their dinner bills, thanks to an Atlanta-based tech company, Sunday. It developed a 10-second payment solution giving customers an option of paying at the table or and the ability to pay on their own time.

Founded and designed by Christine de Wendel, the former COO of ManoMano, as well as Tigrane Seydoux and Victor Lugger, who both worked for Europe's Big Mama Group Restaurants, the payment technology allows customers to pay their bill via QR codes placed on their tables. The payment solution limits customer wait time; increases efficiency; allows customers to split checks and eliminate physical touchpoints between restaurant staff and customers, Wendel said in the release.

"It's simple — we provide a much better experience for a lower cost," she said. "As a customer, it allows you to skip the waiting game, giving you the option to pay whenever you're ready. As a restaurant owner, it creates incredible operational efficiencies, while generally providing higher tips and faster turnover for your staff."

The payment solution was initially launched last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic at 14 Big Mamma Restaurants. The technology team learned the following from the launch:

• 80% of Big Mamma customers paid via QR code.
• Customers and staff saved 15 minutes per table.
• Servers received 40% more in tips.
• 50% of bills were easily shared by diners within seconds.
• There was 12% greater table turnover.

The development team received $24 million seed capital from Coatue, New Wave and other investors to further develop the technology. To date, 1,300 restaurants in Europe, from casual dining to Michelin star restaurants, are using the payment solution.

"Sunday is a game changer for us," Brendan Sodikoff, chief executive officer of Chicago-based Hogsalt, a fine dining restaurant, said in the release. "Regardless of whether our establishment is fast casual or more refined, giving guests control of their valuable time means we turn tables faster and improve service. Sunday keeps our guests moving and our employees focused on what matters most!"