First Apple Pay – Now ChowNow Adds Google Wallet

Google secured a new partnership with ChowNow, the online restaurant ordering platform, that will integrate Google Wallet into its app — giving the mobile payment app access to thousands of new potential users.

The partnership, which was announced Monday (April 6), will enable ChowNow restaurant clients the ability to choose Google Wallet as their mobile payments option. ChowNow already enables Apple Pay, and now it’s adding to its buffet of mobile dining options by partnering with Google.

“We continue to uphold our mission of helping independent restaurants compete with larger chains by providing them with technology that would be both difficult and cost-prohibitive for them to build themselves,” said ChowNow CEO Chris Webb, according to a company press release. 

While the Apple Pay option caters to Apple users, the addition of Google wallets allows Android phone users to tap into Google Wallet as their mobile payment option at a number of restaurants that use ChowNow. For customers who want the Google option, they can then use the “Buy with Google” button, which ChowNow says the mobile option can reduce ordering times and can help increase order volumes. Partnering with Google also enables ChowNow to have access to Android’s broad customer base.

“In addition to increased convenience, Google Wallet also offers an extra layer of security to both consumers and restaurants,” Webb said. “At ChowNow we pride ourselves in strengthening the relationship between our restaurant clients and their customers, and now that relationship is stronger and more secure than ever. This partnership is a win for everyone involved.”

In a recent interview with MPD CEO Karen Webster, Webb said the app helps restaurants move faster and smarter. For example, by integrating both Apple Pay and now Google Wallet, they have those payments methods available to all of their merchant partners.

“Every one of our orders that is placed is paid for online. Historically, that’s always been credit cards, but we were the first online ordering company in our space to launch Apple Pay. That’s the bridge we’ve taken,” he said, noting some positive numbers for the app. “The numbers we are seeing around Apple Pay are very, very impressive. Within the last 60 days since our platform has been updated, we’re seeing, on average, iPhone users making 15 to 20 percent of their payments using Apple Pay. Some of our customers’ apps are seeing 30 percent using Apple Pay.”

Now, however, Google Wallet has a chance to get a chunk of that mobile dining share.