Why do some restaurants and bars still accept only cash?
BFC Enterprises • August 10, 2021

Sixteen months into the COVID-19 pandemic, another question might be which restaurants and bars no longer accept cash at all, with cash transactions recently halted altogether in some establishments, coinciding with the rise of hand sanitizer.

Yet despite a decades-long trend - from cash to credit and debit cards to digital wallet services, such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Google Wallet - cash is still king at some local haunts. There are several reasons:

  1. Transaction Fees : Restaurants and bars look to cut costs in any way they can. The one to three percent fees that banks charge on non-cash transactions can add up to a significant number at the end of each month.
  2. Fees from ATMs: On the flip side, many establishments provide onsite cash machines and net a small percentage of the fees charged - a double win.
  3. Because They Can: If a place can consistently fill seats with customers paying cash, then the owner might not see any reason to use plastic. If people stopped going to Fast Eddie’s because of the cash-only policy, there’s a good chance that owner Eddie Sholar, Jr. would change it (though there are multiple ATMs on site).

Advantages to Using Cash for Consumers

From the consumer’s standpoint, there are also advantages to using cash, as noted in a previous column. It’s quick when paying a tab at a busy bar or during a rushed lunchtime. You’re back at the office while your poor server is still deciphering a tableful of separate checks.

You’re hassle-free at the cash-only places and head of the line when the charge machine goes down. Oh, and ask any server if they’d prefer their tip electronically or in cash money. I’ve said before that cash is liquid, secure, immediate, there are no fees (or strings) attached, and, best of all, it’s private.

Today, however, there are also downsides for restaurants and bars to accepting only cash such as theft deterrence and reconciliation time increases. Read more >

Among the remaining cash-only bastions in St. Louis (with checks and Venmo also accepted in some cases):

Restaurants:

  • Carl’s Drive In
  • Courtesy Diner (all three locations)
  • Dave’s Diner (all three locations)
  • Fast Eddie’s Bon-Air
  • Friendly’s Sports Bar and Grill – Tower Grove South location
  • Old St. Louis Chop Suey
  • Olivette Diner (cash or check)
  • Pizza-A-Go-Go (cash or check)
  • U-City Grill
  • World’s Fair Donuts (cash or Venmo)

Bars, Taverns and Breweries:

  • CBGB
  • Palomino Lounge
  • Pop’s Blue Moon
  • Stella Blues
  • Tick Tock Tavern
  • Trophy Room

Put cash to work for your business. Find out if you qualify for a FREE ATM!

Originally published by St. Louis Magazine , Aug. 6, 2021

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Amusement Games: Turn fun into profit
By BFC Enterprises November 4, 2025
Discover how one Illinois bowling alley owner boosted revenue and customer time-on-site with hassle-free amusement game solutions from BFC Enterprises.
By BFC Enterprises October 27, 2025
That's exactly why partnering with BFC Enterprises to select and manage your amusement games is a smart move. You get expertly matched equipment that maximizes fun, keeps customers engaged, and hits your revenue goals, without any of the guesswork or hassle. Game Selection Backed by Real Experience BFC Enterprises has spent decades placing games in all kinds of business environments. We've seen what works in shopping centers versus family restaurants. We know which games draw teenagers at youth sports facilities and which ones keep adults entertained at bars while they wait for their food. When we evaluate your location, we're looking at your customer base, your foot traffic patterns, and your available space. We're thinking about who's walking through your doors, how long they typically stay, and what kind of entertainment matches their vibe. Then we match game styles to those factors for optimal performance. You shouldn't have to figure this out through expensive trial and error. We already know what works. Maximize Play and Profit Here's a truth every business owner should know: not all amusement games perform equally in every location. Some games get tons of attention and consistent play. Others just take up space. We use data and hands-on experience to choose games that will actually get played. We place the ones that grab attention, generate consistent activity, and deliver the highest revenue return. This means more passive income for you without spending months testing different machines to see what sticks. Think of it this way: we're not just dropping random equipment in your location and hoping for the best. We're strategically placing proven performers that match your specific environment. That's the difference between a few extra bucks a month and a meaningful revenue stream. Regular Rotation Without the Hassle Even the best games can get stale after a while. That's why we don't just set it and forget it. BFC Enterprises actively monitors game performance at your location. When we notice engagement dropping or when there's an opportunity to refresh things, we rotate games to keep your customers interested and having fun. We also select seasonal prizes that keep people playing longer and coming back to see what's new. The best part? You don’t have to track any of this yourself. We handle the strategy, the swaps, and the prize selection. Your customers stay entertained, and you keep earning, all without lifting a finger. Full-Service Support You Can Count On When you partner with BFC Enterprises , you're not just getting equipment delivered and left behind. You're getting complete, ongoing support. We handle compatibility issues, maintenance, prize stocking, and repairs. If something breaks, you're not scrambling to fix it or figure out who to call. Our team takes care of everything while you focus on what you do best – serving your customers and running your business. This is truly passive income. No headaches, no technical problems to solve, no wondering if you picked the right equipment. Just steady earnings from games that work. The Bottom Line Adding amusement games to your location is a smart way to increase customer engagement, extend dwell time, and create an additional revenue stream. But only if you choose the right games and manage them properly. When you partner with BFC Enterprises, you get the best-performing, highest-return amusement setup – customized specifically to your business and your customers – without any of the work. We bring the expertise, the equipment, and the ongoing support. You bring the space and the customers. Together, we create more fun, more engagement, and more profit. Ready to get started? Contact BFC Enterprises today and let's build the perfect amusement game setup for your location. 📞 (314) 961-9000 🌐 bfcenterprises.com/contact