MasterCard and Marcus Samuelsson Partner to Serve Up Qkr! with MasterPass at the First Restaurant in the U.S.

Order Ahead Technology Debuts at New Harlem Hot Spot, Streetbird Rotisserie

Purchase, NY, April 17, 2015— MasterCard has partnered with acclaimed restaurateur and chef Marcus Samuelsson to bring Qkr! with MasterPass to the first restaurant location in the United States. The Qkr! with MasterPass app will be available to patrons of Samuelsson’s newest spot, Streetbird Rotisserie – a casual kitchenette featuring its namesake ‘bird’ with complementary dishes reflecting Marcus’ multicultural upbringing from Ethiopia to Sweden, as well as a design inspired by the era of 70s to 90s hip hop and street culture.

Customers who download the Qkr! app from their Android or iOS device will have a faster and more convenient way to not only order their meal in advance, but also pay right from their phone.  A dedicated pick-up spot inside the location will help them get in and out quickly. Soon patrons will also be able to order delivery through the Qkr! app, as well.

“With Streetbird, I wanted to create something that made good food accessible. So we focused on creating an environment – from the menu to the incorporation of Qkr! with MasterPass – that centered on takeout and delivery,” said Marcus Samuelsson. “This is food you can order ahead and pick up on your way home from work – quick and easy – and even easier with Qkr!”

The app is powered by MasterPass, a digital platform from MasterCard that safely stores payment information in one convenient and secure location and that can be used across connected devices. The app is now available for Streetbird Rotisserie diners to download from the App Store or Google Play.

“We know people are headed to Streetbird with one thing on their mind – good food – and how they pay is simply the means to getting their meal,” said Cheryl Guerin, group executive, Global Products and Solutions, MasterCard. “MasterCard is always striving to improve payment convenience and choice for consumers. Working with, and listening to, partners like Marcus helps us deliver innovative, secure payment options for consumers that meet their needs for speed and convenience.”

New payment technology is just the latest example of how MasterCard is partnering with Marcus Samuelsson to deliver an enhanced experience to cardholders. Through Priceless New York, consumers have exclusive access to premiere reservations at Samuelsson’s other popular and well-known hot spot, Red Rooster Harlem. Patrons of Streetbird and Red Rooster who use their MasterCard in-restaurant may also get a Priceless Surprise! 

About MasterCard

MasterCard, www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.