Fast, Efficient Gift Card Process Benefits Edo Japan Franchisees
The basic gift card program at Edo Japan hardly echoed the quick service restaurant’s forward-thinking business strategies. In order to elevate the program and make it more intriguing to customers, the 150 location franchise needed a partner that matched their drive for innovation.
“You have to partner with innovative companies to evolve and stay successful,” says Nick Noronha, Vice President of Finance at Edo Japan. “Paystone is pioneering what’s next in terms of digital automation and marketing tools. The long-term vision and opportunities they have mapped out got us excited.”
The switch to Paystone’s gift card platform provided immediate benefits for Edo Japan. Selling and redeeming gift cards was not only seamless, but faster for franchisees. Prior to Paystone, employees had to convert the payment terminal into standalone mode, swipe the gift card, hand the terminal to the customer to input their information then move the payment terminal out of standalone mode. Now employees simply swipe or scan the gift card and it’s ready to go.
“A painfully slow and inefficient gift card process in the middle of the lunch rush doesn’t benefit anyone. Thankfully, Paystone alleviated the problem and I’m no longer fielding frustrated phone calls from franchisees.”
Paystone has helped Edo Japan capitalize on other gift card opportunities that simply weren’t possible with their previous gift card provider. The focus on digital transformation was prioritized and the restaurant chain launched gift cards via the My Edo mobile app. Plans are also being explored to grow the gift card program and expand selling channels to include retail locations.
“There was hesitation to push gift cards and grow that part of our business because it was so clunky and burdensome for the franchisees. But with Paystone, there are countless opportunities to evolve and push forward.”
About Edo Japan
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Edo Japan serves Japanese-inspired teppan-style meals made fresh and by hand with a signature teriyaki sauce. First opened in 1979 at Southcentre Mall in Calgary, Edo Japan has grown to 150 locations in suburban shopping centres and food courts across Canada. With its reputation for high-quality, freshly prepared food, friendly staff and convenient ordering options with My Edo App, Edo Japan has quickly become a popular option in the quick service restaurant industry and serves more than ten million meals annually. For more information please visit www.edojapan.com.