Anthony Johnston of Armando’s of Hixson says today about half of his diners pay with cash, a 10 percentage point increase in favor of local economy, in the past months. He is at a loss as to why cash is gaining currency. By paying cash his customers help him avoid the national sales tax of about 3 percent that hits credit card transactions. Anthony provides the meanest burger and fry combos in Chattanooga. Nine minutes.