I was in a local fast food restaurant the other day and needed to get food for 3 other people and wasn't given any cash. Before I started my $20 order I verified that this location accepted cards. I knew other locations in the chain did, but I didn't see any stickers on the door or register.

I worked at a restaurant back 10 years ago. We didn't take credit cards and posted clearly on the door "cash only."

I consult in food service to hospitals. Hospitals are notorious for being cash/payroll deduct only. Prices for employees are often marked down, but visitors (who also can't payroll deduct) have to pay the full price. EVERY hospital I go to that hasn't implemented POS registers to accept credit cards has a sign at the entrance stating cash only and the ATM is by (insert location here).

to the OP: did the check come off a thermal printer or was it hand written and just punched into an 80's stye register? If so, they need to talk to a POS vender and get the ROI on implementing a proper POS system...especially one that can tie into inventory and track food cost vs sales...then they would probably save money over the CC fees.