Max's Group takes in Globe's GCash for meals e-payments

MGI chief financial officer Dave Fuentebella (right) tries GCash's scan-to-pay system at a Krispy Kreme store in this undated photo released by Globe Telecom Inc. on Thursday, November 16, 2017. 

Casual dining chain operator Max's Group Inc. (MGI) has partnered with Globe Telecom's GCash to enable electronic payments in MGI's network of restaurants using QR codes.

Globe said on Thursday the GCash scan-to-pay system will be available in at least 50 stores across MGI’s network by the end of November, with more stores slated to rollout the service in 2018.

MGI is composed of Max’s, Pancake House, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Yellow Cab, Teriyaki Boy, Dencio’s, Maple, Singkit, Kabisera, Sizzlin’ Steak, and Le Coeur de France.

"Through the scan-to-pay feature of the GCash App, customers can use their GCash account to pay for goods and services by simply scanning QR codes displayed by merchants and establishments," Globe said.

"For the consumers, this eliminates the hassle of bringing money, waiting for change, or getting into misunderstandings over payments," the telco said.

Merchants will no longer need expensive machines to process mobile money transactions but only QR stickers with a unique code that is linked to their GCash wallet.

“I think there is a great opportunity for us to address the consumer needs, especially the phone as a wallet, since there is a great amount of convenience that comes with that,” Sharon Fuentebella, chairman and chief executive officer of MGI, said.

GCAsh president and CEO Albert Tinio welcomed MGI's move to adopt the e-payment scheme.

“We are glad to see a big restaurant chain like Max’s embracing the future of e-payments in the Philippines. QR scanning via mobile phone as a mode of payment is already widely-accepted in China, India and other countries in Asia and we want to replicate its success here through the help of our partners like Max’s Group,” Tinio said. — Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News