Topic: The First Chicago Restaurant to Accept Bitcoin - page 2. (Read 11876 times)

I probably should have said IF.  Thanks for making me re-think that.

Bitcoin is a target in the US right now, it seems any excuse and they'll freeze assets.  Take tangible cryptography for an example.  The state shut them down, not the Feds, but same idea.

If it wasn't for my paranoia, I would probably do this:

My uncle already services 100's of small businesses around Chicago for their CC payment, incorporating bitcoin as a payment option in these shops would be relatively easy for him.  I guess I'll research the laws involved and see what needs to be done and how much it will cost and then pitch him on it.  I wouldn't even begin operating until spring, so I have time for research and planning.  If anyone could sell bitcoin merchant services it's my uncle.

I guess I'm a long way off from a BTC funded date though.  Localbitcoins FTW.  Also, I need to not lose my debit card anymore.  Last time I came here I melted it in the dryer, this time, I don't even know.  My bank is 3 states away and I don't keep credit cards. 
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I'll gladly discuss Bitpay with your uncle.  Feel free to PM me if you need a phone number.  I'll be on the road next Wed/Thurs afternoons and have time to chat; however, if you'd prefer to work with him yourself, that's cool, too.

I'm in Cleveland, and travel to Chicago a couple times a year.  I'm going to Cincinnati next Weds night and I'm going to be promoting Bitpay's services to a brick & mortar merchant in Cincinnati.

What makes you think the feds are gonna do that?
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I probably should have said IF.  Thanks for making me re-think that.

Bitcoin is a target in the US right now, it seems any excuse and they'll freeze assets.  Take tangible cryptography for an example.  The state shut them down, not the Feds, but same idea.

If it wasn't for my paranoia, I would probably do this:

My uncle already services 100's of small businesses around Chicago for their CC payment, incorporating bitcoin as a payment option in these shops would be relatively easy for him.  I guess I'll research the laws involved and see what needs to be done and how much it will cost and then pitch him on it.  I wouldn't even begin operating until spring, so I have time for research and planning.  If anyone could sell bitcoin merchant services it's my uncle.

I guess I'm a long way off from a BTC funded date though.  Localbitcoins FTW.  Also, I need to not lose my debit card anymore.  Last time I came here I melted it in the dryer, this time, I don't even know.  My bank is 3 states away and I don't keep credit cards. 

What makes you think the feds are gonna do that?

Maybe somebody should start a money exchange business in Chicago so that people can become bitcoin users more easily

Yes, they need something like that; what I liked in the article was that you buy a coupon, instead of getting money direct from bitpay.  Seems safer right now, the coupons are not from bitpay so the store/restaurant is safe WHEN the feds freeze bitpays assets.

That's where Bitpay can help.  Instead of receiving bitcoins, your business can have USD (or other currencies) deposited into your bank account the next day.  So your business can accept bitcoins as a payment option utilizing Bitpay's merchant checkout solution and receive dollars or whichever currency you desire.

Wow, the bitcoinica tendrils reaching out to barn wood in sandwich...Never would have thought that.

I'm back and forth right now but in the Spring I'm moving back to Chicago, so if you have a list put me on it. 
I haven't read the article entirely yet, but what about this: http://money.cnn.com/2013/05/16/technology/innovation/bitcoin-sales/index.html

I think the biggest obstacle is the hassle they have to go through to turn it back in to cash.   

The Cabbie guy is on hold, and as far as the restaurants I had in mind, I put them on hold due to I was in the process of obtaining a Sandwich, IL, restaurant to accept bitcoins until one of its patrons opted to invest in Bitcoinica and now has his money tied up in Mt Gox. That fiasco caused me to lose face at the local restaurant along with having me to relocate two warehouses storing barn wood due to EPA concerns, all stemming from the guy who made a Bitcoin investment thanks to my blessing of Bitcoinica. The last thing I wanted was to lose a good client in Chicago, one of which I believe I can easily convince him in taking bitcoins at all his establishments.

So whats the word on your efforts so far Bruno?  It's been a few months since an update.  I have a date with a hot blonde coming up and I just lost my debit card.  I have to say, it would be cool to pay for dinner and some other activities with BTC like a boss.  Add me to the list.

Oh and is the cab company accepting BTC yet? 

Well of course I jinxed myself... My buddy got the flu, so we've cancelled the trip.

I can't believe there's no restaurants in Chicago accepting bitcoin yet...

I must not be looking in the right places.  I'll try to follow up with some of the restaurants I cold called last year when trying this.  See if the news has peaked their curiosity at all.

Bruno? 

Anyone?

Can I get beers for bitcoins in downtown Chicago during happy hour?

I'm getting excited for Cleveland.  We may have our first!  Will post more after a successful payment for my lunch next Wed!

OK Phinneaus,  I'm sorry I didn't initiate this sooner, but I will be in Chicago this weekend.  I'm getting there in time for happy hour Friday and staying through Brunch on Sunday.

Is there a place where I can spend my bitcoins in Chicago yet?

If not, what can we do between now and Friday to make it happen?

I can try to stop by a place on Friday night or Saturday if we think it's possible to spend bitcoins

Nada! I haven't been to Chicago much, and when I have, its been in and out. I do have a major project coming up on 79th St. (half acre size roof), and should be able to allocate some time with a couple of my restaurant connections.

~Bruno K~

I know it's been a while, but any more updates on this?

If you can get some of the restaurants in Chinatown or some of the shops in Chicago, I would totally go there more often.

I haven't heard any news yet, but I suggest checking in with the Chicago Meetup group as well to see if they've made any arrangements with the locations they are using for their meetup.

I will be traveling to chicago soon (July 4-8) and would love to buy a meal with bitcoins. Any news?

-bgc

No problem. Not that important for May 12. Will work around. Keep me abreast, though, when available. Will touch base with you prior to hitting Chicago, though. Later, bud.

~Bruno~

Bruno I'm not ready to give you my secret weapon yet

Great! More secret service for me (I really need to reread that news article again). Seriously, a work around to accommodate your schedule is no problem. It'll work out just fine. Now I need to revive that ...and a Satoashi for the lady thread.

~Bruno~