Special Report: Cashless restaurants growing more popular

BROOKFIELD, Wis.  (CBS 58) – There’s a growing trend across the country where businesses no longer accept cash and only take debit or credit.

One local restaurant is part of the movement and says they aren’t looking back.

“Just plug everything on the iPad, the guest signs right there and they move on,” Goddess and the Baker general manager Genevieve Vermeulen said.

The Brookfield restaurant only accepts debit, credit or Samsung Pay.

“It made it more efficient at the register, we have lines that go out the door and people like to grab and go,” Vermeulen said.

Efficiency isn’t the only reason for the move. Vermeulen said it also helps with cleanliness and preventing theft.

Goddess and the Baker joins a growing list of businesses going cashless. According to CBS News, nationally, Dos Toros, Dig Inn and Tender Greens refuse paper money. Reportedly, Milk Bar, Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart and Shake Shack have recently experimented with cashless stores.

Goddess and the Baker opened in 2018 in Brookfield and has been cashless since the start.

There are signs hanging in the restaurant that explains the eatery’s policy but Vermeulen said if anyone walks in without a card, they won’t be turned away.

“If someone wasn’t aware or came in without a card, I do my best to accommodate absolutely everyone whether it’s to buy their espresso drink or hand them a gift card for next time because I do want every guest to be happy,” she said.

Vermeulen doesn’t know of any other cashless businesses in the area but thinks that will soon change.

“It’s definitely going to be more popular,” she said. “It’s definitely going to spread and I think it’ll be the norm. I really do.”

Goddess and the Baker’s Chicago location went cashless in 2017.