Chadd Elliot, owner of Chadd’s Bistro in Shelby Township sits with Eric Poliner, who assisted in setting up a program so customers can pay for their bill in cash, credit, bitcoin, lightning and other cryptocurrencies. GINA JOSEPH – THE MACOMB DAILY
Eric Poliner believes in digital currency as an alternative to cash and is banking on others feeling the same, too.
“We’re still waiting for that random customer to walk in and say, ‘Do you take bitcoin?’ I’m doing what I can to see that happen,” said Poliner, whose team of technology specialists helped to set up a groundbreaking move in the world of digital currency at Chadd’s Bistro in Shelby Township.
The establishment was a takeout business but this month owner Chad Elliot opened a restaurant down the street that not only features his popular selection of original sandwiches but offers patrons a menu of ways for cashing out.
Credit card, cash, Bitcoin and even gold backs are accepted by the cashiers who have no problem navigating the program Poliner’s MI Lightning Rod team including himself, Brendan Brown and Sagar Shah created for Elliot.
“This is what a bill would look like,” said Poliner demonstrating a typical transaction at Chadd’s Bistro.
The bill for a bitcoin-paying customer has a QR code that the customer scans. Then their personal crypto wallet reads the virtual address where it should send the payment. This address is usually a one-time destination code.
Bitcoin has been around since 2009 and enthusiasts feel the more people become familiar with it, the more businesses will start accepting it.
“We are excited to embrace the future of finance and cater to the growing community of cryptocurrency users,” said Elliot. “By accepting bitcoin, lightning and other cryptocurrencies, Chadd’s Bistro aims to become a hub for Michigan’s vibrant community of bitcoin enthusiasts.“
Elliot who supports voluntaryist principles that stem from the idea of natural rights, equality, non-coercion, and non-aggression said he wishes more people would trade their bitcoins rather than just sitting on it.
“Convincing people to spend it is a big part of what we’re hoping to see happen,” he said.
How can you become a bitcoin user?
Chadd’s Bistro is not only a gathering place for individuals and families looking to eat but once a month hosts a happy hour for bitcoin enthusiasts looking to exchange ideas, questions or currency for food. Poliner said there are a handful of people across the state developing their own crypto/bitcoin projects independently.
“We loosely connect to share progress, use each other’s products, and exchange ideas,” Poliner said.
Their next meeting at the bistro is March 5 at 4 p.m.
Need to find a bitcoin ATM before the meeting or lunch? There are about 807 bitcoin ATMs in 34 states and 559 cities including more than a few in Michigan. In fact you cannot see the state’s outline on a map of bitcoin ATMs as the orange tacks show locations from Taylor and White Lake to Roseville, Detroit and Warren.
“I don’t use it but I think it’s good to have that option for customers who do,” said Carol Profit of Troy.
Other customers agreed the more options the better including Brandon Thomas of Shelby Township, who was joined by his wife Janice, although she insists on the old adage, “cash is king.”
As for their son Brice? By the time he’s old enough to pay the bill chances are bitcoin will be one of many digital currencies that he will use. For now the 11-year-old was just happy his dad was treating him to a platter of barbecued pork and coleslaw sliders.
“They’re really good,” said Brice.
Read More: Shelby eatery serves up popular sandwiches and cryptocurrency option – Macomb