How Instant Payments Are Reshaping Canada’s Restaurant Industry

Restaurants Serve Up Instant Payments to Keep Staff and Cash Flow Steady

Labour shortages, high turnover and shifting consumer habits are reshaping the restaurant industry, and payments are at the centre of the transformation. What was once a perk, same-day pay, instant tips and real-time supplier payments, is now a necessity. For operators managing lean budgets and unpredictable staffing, instant payments are no longer optional.

Retention Through Real-Time Pay

The restaurant workforce remains under pressure. According to the National Restaurant Association, the industry is still down more than 220,000 jobs compared to pre-pandemic employment levels. Over three-quarters of operators say recruiting and retention are their biggest challenges.

Earned wage access (EWA) and same-day tips are giving workers a reason to stay. Research shows that offering on-demand pay can improve retention in hospitality by as much as 36%. With annual turnover exceeding 130%, that advantage translates into stronger teams, more consistent service and reduced hiring costs.

Instant Pay Benefits the Front and Back of House

Digital tipping has shifted from novelty to necessity. Touchscreen ordering systems have increased gratuities by up to 30%, giving staff immediate access to earnings while reducing administrative strain for operators. Instant supplier payments also help restaurants hold on to working capital longer and reduce the risk of late fees or disputes. Operators using instant rails report healthier balance sheets and more predictable cash flow.

A More Resilient Restaurant Model

Instant payments are no longer just a competitive advantage, they are a critical piece of restaurant stability. By offering real-time wage access, digital tipping and instant supplier settlements, operators can strengthen retention, improve cash flow and build resilience in an industry known for tight margins and fast change.

Payment Solutions with Kubera Payments

At Kubera Payments, we help businesses across North America move millions of dollars daily, whether in-store, online, or on mobile. Our team of payment experts is here to guide you through the complexities of payment processing, ensuring your transactions are secure, reliable, and PCI-compliant. We have strong relationships with a wide network of acquirers and can help you find the right front-end and technology solutions to work together.

Get expert advice on optimizing your payments.

Contact our team at sales@kuberapayments.com or 604-484-9278

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