Moneris: A Canadian Leader in Restaurant Commerce & Financial Solutions
Canada’s foodservice industry never stands still—and neither does Moneris. As the country’s largest payment processor, Moneris has built direct and personal relationships with restaurant operators from coast to coast to coast, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in a competitive and constantly shifting market. But Moneris is more than just payments. As a proudly Canadian company with deep expertise in both the national and international economic and financial landscape, Moneris offers strategic guidance on local regulations, consumer behaviour, and emerging trends—helping restaurants not just keep up but stay ahead.
The Moneris team understands that the modern restaurant experience is more than great food and service—it’s about seamless transactions, frictionless digital experiences, and tools that enable growth. That’s why the company has expanded its portfolio beyond payments, making major investments in digital commerce, customer engagement, and financial services. Today, Moneris provides restaurant operators and business owners with an integrated ecosystem of solutions designed to help them scale efficiently, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Founded in 2000 as a joint venture between RBC and BMO, Moneris was built to support businesses with secure and reliable payment solutions, with a distinctly Canadian touch. Over the years, the company has evolved alongside the industry, ensuring that its services remain relevant to today’s restaurant operators and the speed of hospitality business.
With a presence in every province and territory, Moneris understands the distinct challenges of operating in different regions and is committed to providing solutions that cater to local business needs. “Canada is a diverse market, and we take pride in understanding the unique needs of our merchants,” says Gad Elharrar, Vice President, Product for Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB), Moneris. “Because we live and work in the same communities as our customers, we’re invested in their success. Whether it’s adapting to new tipping regulations, tax requirements, or digital payment trends, we help businesses transition smoothly.”
Elharrar only recently joined Moneris in his current role; however, he brings more than 15 years’ experience in the payment, banking and fintech world and is excited to focus on a widening array of small and medium business solutions at the company. Part of what attracted him to the role was that Moneris understands that running a restaurant involves balancing many moving parts, from managing supply chains to keeping up with changing consumer expectations and recognizes that payment processing is just one piece of the puzzle.
“Restaurants today require more than just a way to accept payments,” Elharrar points out. “They need solutions that help them grow and adapt to industry changes. Our focus is on making sure our technology is easy to use, integrates smoothly with restaurant workflows, and ultimately helps businesses succeed.”
Elharrar is enthusiastic about new technologies offered by Moneris, like Moneris Go Restaurant POS, a new point-of-sale system designed specifically for foodservice businesses. Currently undergoing live field testing with Moneris merchants, it is scheduled for release later this year. Moneris Go Restaurant has built-in tipping options, kitchen display system (KDS) integration, and advanced reporting tools, simplifying operations for both front- and back-of-house teams.
Moneris has also expanded its services for restaurants through strategic acquisitions, such as UEAT, an online ordering solution that aggregates orders from third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash into a single, seamless interface. “Restaurants today need a strong digital presence,” Elharrar explains. “Our solutions help them manage online orders, optimise workflows, and improve revenue.”
Another big plus that stood out for Elharrar is Moneris’ approach to merchant support and experience, noting that maintaining a “human element” remains a central business priority. While many financial technology companies rely primarily on automation and chatbots, Moneris prioritizes direct customer support, offering 24/7 customer service with live representatives. Additionally, Moneris Field Services (MFS) provides in-person technical support, a rare advantage in the industry. “We understand there’s no room for error in a restaurant,” Elharrar says. “If payment systems go down, revenue is lost immediately. That’s why we offer hands-on support to keep businesses running smoothly.”
Many financial institutions have become more cautious about lending to the restaurant sector, particularly as economic conditions fluctuate. While Elharrar acknowledges that the restaurant industry is known for its ups and downs, he is clear that Moneris continues to see value in supporting foodservice businesses for the long-term, through capital solutions designed to help them expand, upgrade, or navigate uncertain times.
“We understand that restaurants are essential to our communities, and while the economic climate may be challenging, our goal is to grow alongside our customers,” he says. “We provide capital solutions based on real transaction data, ensuring restaurants get the funding they need to move forward.”
“We’re not just a payment processor anymore—we’re a commerce solutions provider, helping restaurants streamline operations and drive growth,” says Elharrar. “It’ll be super powerful for our merchants in in the market, so my mission is to make sure we’re really thoughtful and innovative, and that we’re pushing the cusp of commerce for our customers. I’m all in for that.”
As a Restaurants Canada Preferred Partner, Moneris is offering exclusive pricing for members.
