How Restaurants Are Losing Thousands Every Month
Most restaurant owners are told that credit card processing fees are simply “part of doing business.”
In reality, they are one of the largest and most overlooked expenses in your operation—and one of the easiest to fix.
The difference between Toast and Heartland is not just about software or features.
👉 It’s about who controls your payments—and who keeps your money.
Heartland vs Toast: What’s the Real Difference?
At a surface level, both Toast and Heartland offer modern POS systems designed for restaurants. They provide:
- Order and table management
- Reporting and analytics
- Employee management
- Online ordering capabilities
Both systems are capable and widely used.
However, the key difference lies in how payments are processed.
Toast: All-in-One System with Locked Processing
Toast operates as a closed system.
That means:
- You are required to use Toast’s built-in payment processing
- Rates and fees are controlled by Toast
- Costs often increase as your business grows
While convenient, this structure limits flexibility and keeps you tied to a single pricing model.
Heartland: Flexible POS with Payment Control
Heartland offers a powerful POS system with a major advantage:
👉 You have control over how your payments are processed.
When paired with Royalty Cash Discount (RCD), this flexibility becomes a significant financial advantage.
Where the Real Cost Difference Happens
Most restaurant owners focus on POS features.
The real cost, however, comes from processing fees.
Typical Scenario with Toast
A restaurant processing $100,000/month may pay:
- 2.5%–3.5% in fees
- $2,500–$3,500 per month
- $30,000–$40,000+ per year
These costs continue indefinitely and scale with your revenue.
With Heartland + Royalty Cash Discount (RCD)
This is where the model changes.
With Heartland paired with RCD:
- Customers who choose to pay with a card cover the processing cost
- Cash-paying customers receive a discount
- The business retains the full sale amount
👉 This allows you to eliminate traditional processing expenses entirely
In addition:
👉 Businesses can receive monthly royalty payments based on processing volume
A Simple Comparison
| System | Processing Structure | Financial Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Toast | Locked processing | Ongoing monthly fees |
| Heartland Only | Flexible processing | Lower potential costs |
| Heartland + RCD | Cash discount model | Eliminate fees + earn monthly rebates |
Is This Legal and Compliant?
Yes.
The program is structured as a cash discount model, which is widely used and fully compliant when implemented correctly.
- Customers are given a choice in how they pay
- Cash payments avoid fees
- Card payments include a small, disclosed cost
This approach is transparent and aligned with industry guidelines.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Restaurant margins are under pressure from:
- Rising food costs
- Labor expenses
- Rent and overhead
Processing fees are one of the few expenses you can directly control and eliminate.
The Key Question
Are you comfortable continuing to pay:
👉 $2,000–$5,000+ per month in fees
Or would you prefer to:
👉 Keep that money—& even receive a royalty check monthly?
Your Next Step: Know Your Numbers
Every restaurant is different.
The most effective way to evaluate this is by reviewing your current processing statement. Provide your most recent processing statement from each location.
Request a Custom Breakdown
By reviewing your statement, you can see:
- What you are currently paying in fees
- What could be eliminated
- What potential monthly rebates could look like
Let’s Take a Look at Your Numbers
Jarrett Pruitt
Royalty Cash Discount
🌐 https://royaltycashdiscount.com
📞 708-539-7222
📧 [email protected]
Final Thought
You don’t need more customers to increase profitability.
👉 You simply need to stop giving away a percentage of every sale.