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Philippe The Original changes cash-only rule, accepts credit cards
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Dec 18, 2014
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Philippe The Original changes cash-only rule, accepts credit cards
A Philippe's manager explains why after 106 years of being a cash-only establishment, the restaurant is now accepting credit cards.
Philippe the Original, 1001 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles 90012
Philippe the Original, 1001 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles 90012
(
Photo by Thomas Hawk via Flickr Creative Commons
)

A Philippe's manager explains why after 106 years of being a cash-only establishment, the restaurant is now accepting credit cards.

While most businesses rely on new technologies like chip and pin or iPad card scanners, a few have remained very old school. 

Take, for example, the restaurant Philippe The Original. It's been a dining staple, dishing out French Dip sandwiches in downtown Los Angeles for 106 years.

For all that time, Philippe's has been cash only. But starting Thursday, they'll be accepting plastic.

"The main thing that prevented us from switching over to accepting cards was the quick service we provide," said Andrew Binder, manager and partner at Philippe's. "If you've been in the restaurant, you know you're surrounded by people and long lines."

Lucky for us, a soft roll-out proved that wait times did not increase with the acceptance of cards. 

"It seemed to be working great. The 'cash only' sign will be coming down," he said. 

Here to tell us more is Andrew Binder, a manager and partner at Philippe's.

To hear the full interview, click on "Listen Now" above.