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We’ve all been there. You’re at your favorite restaurant. The food was great, the service was perfect, and you’re ready to pay. But then—you spot an extra charge on the bill. Maybe it’s a “3% credit card fee” or a “convenience fee” for paying online. It’s frustrating, right? If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. More restaurants and businesses are adding fees like these. They’re trying to cover the cost of credit card processing fees. Here’s the thing: Every time a customer pays with a card, a portion goes to card networks and payment processors. These fees might seem small, but they add up fast. For restaurant owners, it can really hurt your profits. So, what’s the solution? How can you cover these costs without upsetting your customers? In this blog, I’ll break it all down for you. I’ll explain the difference between surcharges, convenience fees, and cash discounts. I’ll also share tips on how to use them in your restaurant. By the end, you’ll know:  Which strategy works best for your business. How to keep your customers happy while covering costs.

Are you a restaurant owner searching for the perfect Point-of-Sale (POS) system?

Let’s be honest—running a restaurant is already a high-wire act, and the looming threat of tariffs is adding even more uncertainty to the mix. With Trump’s recent tariff laws and the potential for new ones on the horizon, the economic landscape feels like a ticking time bomb. While no one has all the answers yet, the predictions are clear: tariffs could lead to higher prices across the board, and consumers are likely to tighten their wallets. For restaurants, that’s a scary thought. The truth is, we’re in a “wait-and-see” phase. And one thing is certain: restaurant owners are bracing for impact. According to an Alignable survey of over 3,700 small business owners, one-third of independent restaurants expect sales declines if substantial tariffs are imposed on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico. The main fear? Tariffs will drive up costs everywhere, from ingredients to equipment, and consumers will become more cautious with their spending. Unfortunately, dining out is often seen as a luxury—one of the first things people cut back on when budgets get tight. So, what can restaurants do to prepare for this uncertain future?  While there’s no concrete answer, there are strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve. Let’s dive in.

But there's an emerging holiday marketing trend you might be overlooking: Lunar New Year. Now, before you say, "But my restaurant isn't an Asian cuisine spot," hold that thought. This isn't about cultural appropriation—it's about cultural celebration, creativity, and yes, some seriously smart business moves.

Slow Day? Don’t let down time take down your restaurant profits.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is right around the corner! As the second most celebrated holiday across Asia, this traditional Chinese holiday presents a golden opportunity for your restaurant to attract more customers and boost sales. Here’s how you can make the most of this festive upcoming holiday and celebrate with your restaurant guests.

ZBS is proud to officially launch our restaurant waitlist and reservation systems, Front Waitlist and Front Reserve, built to help restaurants optimize their front of house operations. After 6 months of rigorous testing, Front Waitlist & Front Reserve have undergone many positive and important changes while improving upon unique features that were first released with the beta versions. In addition, many successful testimonials from beta users have provided great insight into the importance of having automated waitlist and reservation systems for full services restaurants big and small.

Revolutionizing Asian Street Food is no biggie for this fast casual restaurant brand. Here's how AZN Sandwich Bar reached success with the aid of ZBS POS technology.

Seeing the struggles of many restaurant owners with managing their front of house, ZBS has unveiled its newest product line, Front, with an intuitive waitlist and reservation system.