The Allied Vendor of the Year award is presented to a company that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to our industry, to the MRA and to their community.
2018 Allied Vendor of the Year:
Heartland Payment Systems

Heartland Payment Systems is the sixth largest credit card processor in the United States and the fifteenth largest in the world. Its restaurant products include payment processing, payroll systems, point-of-sale platforms, customer engagement tools and lending partners.
The company strives to help restaurant operators run their businesses more effectively. It continually advances its integrations to keep up with changing technology and demands, such as the recent development of EMV (chip and pin) to make sure clients are compliant and to eliminate the risk and liability of chargebacks. Considerable changes to payroll compliance continue to occur related to sick and safe leave ordinances and Affordable Care Act reporting requirements.
Educating clients is an important part of Heartland representatives’ customer service. They want to work alongside operators to find solutions that make their lives easier and less stressful.Heartland is a dedicated strategic partner of the Minnesota Restaurant Association, contributing to the organization on two fronts: financially, as well as volunteer support on committees and assistance with events.
View Heartland Payment System's video:
The company strives to help restaurant operators run their businesses more effectively. It continually advances its integrations to keep up with changing technology and demands, such as the recent development of EMV (chip and pin) to make sure clients are compliant and to eliminate the risk and liability of chargebacks. Considerable changes to payroll compliance continue to occur related to sick and safe leave ordinances and Affordable Care Act reporting requirements.
Educating clients is an important part of Heartland representatives’ customer service. They want to work alongside operators to find solutions that make their lives easier and less stressful.Heartland is a dedicated strategic partner of the Minnesota Restaurant Association, contributing to the organization on two fronts: financially, as well as volunteer support on committees and assistance with events.
View Heartland Payment System's video:
Past Recipients of the Allied Vendor of the Year Award:
- The Coca-Cola Company (2017)
- American Fish Seafood, Inc. (2016)
- Jackson Lewis (2015)
- US Foods (2014)
- Summit Brewing Company (2013)
- Premier Restaurant Equipment Company (2012)
- Farmers Insurance (2011)
- Ecolab (2010)
- AmeriPride Linen & Apparel Services (2009)
- Sysco Minnesota (2008)
- Hockenbergs Equipment & Supply Co. (2007)
- Upper Lakes Foods (2006)
- Appert’s Foodservice (2005)