Blackbird Launches Web3 Crypto Payment Platform for NYC Restaurants

Jul 30, 2024, 02:52 PM

Blackbird, a restaurant loyalty app co-founded by Ben Leventhal, has launched a new Web3 payments platform called Blackbird Pay. This platform allows diners to pay for their meals using cryptocurrency at some of New York City's top restaurants, including Barbuto, Crown Shy, and Laser Wolf. Backed by American Express and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Blackbird aims to make the dining experience more seamless by enabling users to check in, set tips, split bills, and leave without waiting for a check. The platform is built on the blockchain network Base and leverages Arbitrum Orbit for its operations. Blackbird's testnet, Flynet, facilitates these transactions, and diners can earn and use points ($FLY) within the app. By using Blackbird Pay, restaurants can save on high credit card fees and establish direct communication channels with diners.