When A & R Seafood Market expanded into the Seafood Shack, it was also time to expand to a point-of-sale system–going beyond payments, to manage their business.
Robert Martin has been known in Mathews for the last three years as A & R Seafood. His partnership with a local seafood distributor, in 2017, allowed him to sell fresh Chesapeake Bay fare curbside from his truck and trailer. With the success of his venture and customer demand, Robert knew it was time to upgrade equipment.
In 2020, Robert formed a corporation with Amy Hudgins and purchased a much larger trailer. It allowed them to expand products and services to a food truck offering a full menu, to-go orders, and catering services with a full commercial kitchen. This expansion also meant they needed a system to accommodate multiple employees and products.
“At the time, I was operating from cash out-of-pocket and having to track all of my tax and administrative headaches manually,” says Robert.
The new system allows the team to take orders, accept other payment types, and track the charges and tax. Both businesses run from the same system without having to toggle between them.
“The best part is, it keeps us from forgetting to ask questions about condiments and sides. It’s a checklist that our team moves through,” Robert adds. “It’s been really helpful.”
CHESPAY POS POINT-OF-SALE SYSTEM
Our ChesPay POS software program allows merchants to accept credit cards; offer gift cards, rewards, and loyalty programs; set appointments; manage employee schedules and inventory; provide in-store and online ordering; and manage invoicing.
“The ChesPay POS isn’t just for payment acceptance. It’s a complete business management solution,” says George Malesky, VP Sales Manager, Chesapeake Payment Systems. “A merchant can start with only one piece of this service, then add functions as their business grows. Managing their business is much more effective and economical if they utilize all of the features. Together they simplify the process.”
EQUIPMENT
A web browser can handle most of the basic functions, such as online orders, invoicing, and scheduling. Our service provides a URL so the merchant can use it on its own or link to it from their site.
The software cost begins for as little as $50/month for the first license.
Hardware fees vary, as there are various ways to configure a system using credit card terminals and printers. Total costs are determined by individual business needs.
Businesses with multiple locations can sync systems for a consistent experience.
THE CHESAPEAKE PAYMENT SYSTEMS DIFFERENCE
We stand out from our peers because of our customer service. We’ll help with the build-out and importing data from other systems. Because we’re local, we provide on-site help for installations, equipment servicing, and staff training.
Amy loves our team and the help it provides. “Joe (Mayfield, Merchant Technology Specialist and Team Lead) is fantastic,” she says. He has helped her with their configurations, and they are building their online menu together now. “We’re satisfied with all of our experiences at Chesapeake.”
Robert says he’s previously worked with other POS systems for another business and finds ChesPay superior. “Technology has come a long way since then. Chesapeake’s system is so much easier to pick up and use. I am very pleased.”
DOING BUSINESS WITH THE SEAFOOD SHACK
The market currently offers a variety of fish, oysters, shrimp, and other in-season shellfish. Delicious dishes available include clam chowder, dips, salads, and crab cakes.
Amy says she loves getting to know her customers by name. She says that sharing ideas, thoughts, and recipes helps them better serve their customers. She attributes the Shack’s growth as a reflection of listening to their input.
She also says they’ve raised funds and awareness for different community needs by participating in various festivals and events. “It’s been a very satisfying experience that we look forward to continuing.” You can learn more about these events by visiting their website and following their Facebook page.
To place an order, call (804-725-6934).
THE SEAFOOD SHACK IS OUR NEIGHBOR
The Seafood Shack truck usually parks across the street from our Mathews location at M & M Building Supply.
“I love the Seafood Shack,” says Jessica Dehoux, Mortgage Loan Officer at the Mathews branch. “The crab cake sandwich is ‘on point,’ and it’s super convenient having them across from my office.”
That’s one of the great things about banking in your community. We care about your business and we want to make things easier because we’re your customer too.