Turning Gift Cards Into a Cash Flow Engine

Benjamin Berg, CEO of E-Card Systems, joins Digital Hospitality to explain why gift cards are one of the most overlooked revenue tools in restaurants. Serving more than 100,000 brands each year, his company helps operators simplify both physical and digital gift card programs. Berg shares how gift cards became a lifeline during the pandemic, why most restaurants underutilize them, and how they can drive cash flow, customer acquisition, and retention. This episode breaks down the operational and financial impact of gift cards and why treating them as a strategic tool can unlock new growth for restaurant brands. Gift Cards Are a Financial Tool – They drive immediate cash flow, act like interest-free capital, and create upside through overspend and breakage. Restaurants that treat them strategically unlock real revenue. Most Restaurants Don’t Promote Them Enough – When operators say gift cards don’t sell, it’s usually because they’re invisible. The brands that win make them part of their marketing, not an afterthought. Make It Easy, Or It Won’t Work – Complexity kills adoption. The easier it is to buy, redeem, and manage gift cards across channels, the more likely both staff and guests will actually use them. Episode Links Benjamin Berg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminberg1/ eCard Systems LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecard-systems/ eCard Systems Online: https://ecardsystems.com/ eCard Systems Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eCardSystems Where to find Cali BBQ MediaVisit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services