I wouldn't be shocked. QR code to payment website instead of on-site card processing hardware. A new small shop may be trying to run things super minimally.

I'm skeptical of the "chain" aspect - a chain is more likely to have hardware and support other methods - but a visitor may not know what is/isn't a chain anyway.

OR a particular employ is new or lazy and just didn't want to drag out the hardware. ;)

I actually had a similar problem trying to park in a parking garage. I talked to some people working there (they were moving 'event day price' signs around). I asked if there was a kiosk or any other way to pay (other than by phone). They said there was not and said I just had to leave and find street parking.

This happened when I was trying to park near a place to get my phone fixed!