How to start a payments app for restaurants: deposits, events and paying suppliers
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
Independent restaurants and cafes lose money to no-shows and spend time chasing payment for private events and catering. They also pay a long list of suppliers every week. A payments platform aimed at independent food businesses in one city can help with both, and owners talk to each other, so word spreads fast.
What restaurant owners want
- Payment links for booking deposits to cut no-shows.
- Invoices for private dining, events and catering.
- A card for supplier and market runs.
- A clear view of money in and out each week.
Reaching them
Owners meet through local food and drink groups, suppliers, markets and hospitality events. Start with one neighbourhood or one type of venue, and ask your first happy customers to introduce you to other owners.
Things to watch
Most restaurants already have a way to take card payments at the table, so position your platform alongside it, not as a replacement. Be clear about fees and payout times, because margins in hospitality are tight.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay doesn't offer card machines or acquiring. SendPay platforms let you get paid with payment links, invoices and subscriptions, alongside GBP, EUR and USD accounts and branded Visa cards, powered by licensed partners.
Build it
Create your own financial platform.
Pick a template, name it, brand it, preview every page before you pay. Your brand, your users, your fees.
Build my platform →Questions people ask
What can I use instead of a card machine?
Payment links and QR codes can take payments without hardware.
Card machine alternatives →How do I start a bookings platform?
Combine bookings with deposits and payment links.
Bookings platforms →How do I start a payments app for tour operators?
Take deposits and balances online, often in several currencies.
Tour operator payments →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.