Blackbird, a restaurant loyalty startup initiated by Ben Leventhal, the founder of Resy and Eater, has introduced Blackbird Pay, a revolutionary payment network designed for restaurants. This new system is built on Blackbird’s proprietary blockchain technology, Blackbird Flynet, and aims to offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional payment platforms. The company claims that Blackbird Pay will charge an average fee of 2%, which is significantly lower than the 3.5% typically charged by other systems such as Toast. Users can make payments through the Blackbird app using their debit or credit cards, or a combination of $FLY, Blackbird’s native loyalty points, and their cards.
Although Blackbird initially positioned itself as a next-generation loyalty platform, the incorporation of payments has always been a part of the company’s long-term strategy. Leventhal emphasized the importance of providing restaurants with tools to reduce fees and enhance the quality of customer data. He noted that the introduction of a payment product is a crucial component of this strategy, allowing restaurants to facilitate cheaper fund transfers between consumers and themselves compared to legacy systems.
A distinctive feature of Blackbird Pay is its ability to empower restaurant operators to optimize their loyalty programs. By using the Blackbird NFC puck, restaurants can identify Blackbird members as soon as they enter. The system provides access to a customer’s dining profile, which includes a Guest Value Score, dining history, and VIP status. This information allows restaurants to offer personalized perks, exclusive access, and other tailored hospitality options to attract and reward their guests.
In addition to Blackbird Pay, the company has also introduced new communication features and enhancements to support the development of membership programs. For instance, Sra. Martinez launched a founding members program prior to its Miami opening. This program allowed new members to reserve tables ahead of the official opening and enjoy complimentary cocktails and amuse-bouche during their dining experience.
Leventhal clarified that Blackbird Pay is not intended to replace existing point-of-sale systems but rather to complement them as an additional service. He stressed that the goal is to avoid adding complexity for restaurants by integrating seamlessly with their current systems, making implementation straightforward.
While many startups from the crypto boom have either scaled back or shifted focus, Blackbird has consistently leveraged blockchain technology to enable new features. Leventhal has maintained that the aim is to introduce these features while keeping the user experience for both customers and restaurants simple and abstracted from the underlying technology. He explained that the blockchain is used to securely and scalably move tokens from consumer wallets to restaurant wallets. While the technological details are available for those interested, the primary focus is on ensuring the product experience is straightforward and user-friendly.
In summary, Blackbird’s launch of Blackbird Pay represents a significant step in the evolution of restaurant payment systems. By combining lower transaction fees with enhanced loyalty program capabilities, the company aims to provide a comprehensive solution that benefits both restaurants and their customers. The integration of blockchain technology serves as a robust foundation for this innovative platform, ensuring secure and efficient transactions.