Sacramento, California, September 7, 2025
News Summary
In a progressive move, five restaurant chains in Sacramento, including Brookfields Restaurants, will begin accepting cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Tether to appeal to younger customers. The initiative, facilitated by Foodtoken.net, aims to adapt to changing payment preferences and reduce high credit card processing fees. A press conference will announce the decision, allowing consumers to purchase gift cards via QR codes. This transition reflects the industry’s evolution from cash to digital payments over the decades as Sacramento aims to bolster its reputation as a leader in financial services.
Sacramento, California – In a significant shift towards digital payments, five restaurant chains in Sacramento will begin accepting cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. This initiative aims to attract younger customers and adapt to changing payment preferences. The announcement will take place during a press conference at the State Capitol’s West Lawn at noon on Friday.
Among the participating establishments is Brookfields Restaurants, which has been a staple in the area for over 40 years. Co-owner Stacy Marr pointed out that the restaurant industry is evolving, and Brookfields is responding by introducing a cryptocurrency payment option. Customers will be able to purchase a $50 gift card through a simple scan of a QR code. This decision follows the restaurant’s notable transition from 85% cash payments in the 1980s to approximately 85-87% being processed through credit cards today.
The other restaurant chains and a winery adopting this new payment method are doing so through collaboration with Foodtoken.net, a service that facilitates cryptocurrency transactions. The company allows businesses to accept popular digital currencies like Bitcoin and Tether and charges them only a fraction of the traditional credit card fees. Bryan Barton, CEO of Foodtoken.net, has highlighted the need for increased cryptocurrency transactions to improve the market’s viability.
According to a recent Gallup poll, about 14% of adults in the United States own some form of cryptocurrency. However, a significant 60% have expressed no interest in purchasing digital assets. Despite these mixed responses, there is a clear trend toward digital finance, spurred by a new law regulating part of the cryptocurrency market aimed at bolstering confidence among potential investors and skeptics, as noted by California Representative Kevin Kiley.
Stacy Marr also mentioned the considerable costs associated with credit card processing, which can range between $360,000 to $400,000 annually. By adopting cryptocurrency payments, restaurants like Brookfields hope to reduce these expenses, reinforcing the financial motivation behind the new initiative.
During the upcoming press conference, attendees will have the chance to taste samples from participating restaurants and hear from key speakers, including Bryan Barton and Congressman Kiley, who emphasized the significance of this move for Sacramento as an innovator in financial services.
Ultimately, this collective adoption of cryptocurrency by local restaurants showcases a growing trend towards embracing new technology in the food and beverage industry, with hopes of attracting a younger demographic that increasingly favors digital payments.
FAQ Section
What restaurants in Sacramento are accepting cryptocurrencies?
Five restaurant chains, including Brookfields Restaurants and a winery, are set to accept cryptocurrencies through Foodtoken.net.
What cryptocurrencies will be accepted?
The participating establishments will accept popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Tether.
Why are restaurants transitioning to cryptocurrency payments?
Restaurants are looking to attract younger customers and reduce high credit card processing fees, which can be substantial.
What is Foodtoken.net?
Foodtoken.net is a service that facilitates cryptocurrency payments for businesses, charging minimal fees compared to traditional credit card systems.
How prevalent is cryptocurrency ownership in the U.S.?
Approximately 1 in 7 adults in the U.S. own cryptocurrency, while 60% of adults show no interest in it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Options | Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Tether |
| Partnership | Foodtoken.net |
| Gift Card Purchase | Via QR code for $50 |
| Historical Payment Shift | From 85% cash in the 1980s to 85-87% credit cards today |
| Annual Credit Card Fees | $360,000 – $400,000 for Brookfields Restaurants |
| Event Timing | Press conference at noon on Friday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox40: Sacramento Restaurants to Accept Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies
- Sacramento Bee: Capitol Alert on Cryptocurrency Payments
- KFBK: Capitol Event Announces Five Restaurant Chains Will Accept Bitcoin
- Sacramento Bee: The State Worker on Cryptocurrency bills
- Google Search: Cryptocurrency
- Wikipedia: Cryptocurrency
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
