Eliminate the wait: JoCo-based DashNow offers diners mobile pay, check-splitting tech

October 18, 2019  |  Anna Turnbull

Joseph Layne was tired of waiting. Seated at a busy restaurant, he stirred the mental ingredients for DashNow, a mobile-based service allowing diners to pay-and-go without waiting on a server to swipe a credit card or make change.

DashNow

DashNow

“I realized I had been sitting there 10 minutes [waiting for the bill], while there was a whole bunch of people waiting for a table,” said Layne, president and founder of DashNow. “These people could have already been sitting down, having a drink, and putting in their order. That’s when the lightbulb went off.”

The new technology not only speeds business up, but also is an easy solution, Layne emphasized. 

“This is the best part: there is no equipment required [for the diner]. A piece of software is installed on the point of sale [at the restaurant],” he said. “There is nothing to purchase, no hardware purchase or setup cost.”

To partner with DashNow and set your restaurant up with the equipment, click here

“When the server brings the ticket, there is a QR code … It shows you your receipt,” said Layne, explaining the three-step process. “You can either pay the entire bill or you can split it with your friends … Your friends can scan the QR code as well and pay for their items. You select a tip amount and then you can submit the payment.”

The reports have been gratifying, reported Layne.

“The feedback has been absolutely tremendous,” he said. “Right now, we are seeing an average of about 16 percent utilization and that is only two weeks into it.”

DashNow's team

DashNow’s team

The swiftness of the process is not the only benefit that restaurants are experiencing, he added.  

“The servers are seeing higher tips … Our analysis is showing that the tip averages are going up pretty significantly,” said Layne. “That will really help drive adoption when servers realize that they can make more money by using DashNow to pay.”

The service has officially launched its first restaurant, Sombrero’s Mexican Cantina, and followed with Saints Pub.

The startup’s team is prioritizing the company’s long-term plan, noted Layne. 

“Every decision that we are making is focused on the scalability of the business,” he said. “We are working on taking it slow and taking one restaurant at a time. [We want] to make sure to button up the loose ends.”

Click here for more information on DashNow and how to download their app. 

Tagged ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder
      [adinserter block="4"]

      2019 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        H&R Block CEO files retirement plans; company sets ‘smooth transition’ to new chief executive

        By Tommy Felts | August 11, 2025

        Announcing his plan to retire at the end of 2025, the CEO for one of Kansas City’s most iconic businesses called his work at H&R Block the past eight years “the honor of a lifetime.” “We have elevated Block’s relevance, built an extraordinary culture, made bold bets to drive growth, rebuilt about every piece of…

        LISTEN: Startup bites into early cancer detection for dogs

        By Tommy Felts | August 11, 2025

        On this episode of Startland News’ new Plug and Play Topeka founder podcast series, we meet Preston Williams — founder of ProPetDx — whose company is giving veterinarians a powerful new way to detect disease in pets before symptoms appear. From the spark of an idea to building high-definition diagnostics, our guest shares how science, data,…

        Advocates push Latino entrepreneurs to urgent action in the face of ‘innovation churn,’ civil rights challenges

        By Tommy Felts | August 8, 2025

        Latino entrepreneurs are a powerful force in America’s economy, leaders emphasized Thursday from the UnidosUS stage, but systemic barriers continue to keep many from achieving financial freedom, they lamented. “Our superpower is an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Ruby Azurdia-Lee, president and CEO of Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES), speaking during the UnidosUS Annual Conference’s closing…

        River Market’s iconic ‘Trolley Tom’ reopening with grab-and-go deli menu, specialty cocktails

        By Tommy Felts | August 8, 2025

        A new grab-and-go eatery is rolling into River Market, filling a hole left when Donutology shuttered operations inside “Trolley Tom” — the circa 1947 Kansas City streetcar permanently parked at 426 Delaware in the popular retail and entertainment district. Car No. 551 is scheduled to open by mid-September with deli offerings and and drinks by…