10 Successful Restaurant Loyalty Programs Examples (2024)

Find restaurant loyalty program examples that can help you keep customers coming back and make more money. It’s not just about the food (though that’s important!). Are you ready to turn hungry customers into loyal ones? Find out more by looking at our list of the top 10 customer loyalty in restaurants in 2024.

Why Loyalty Programs Are Your Restaurant’s Secret Weapon?

The restaurant industry competes for new consumers, making client retention seem like an uphill battle. Inviting decor and delicious cuisine await you. But how do you convert first-time diners into regulars? It’s not just about the food (though that’s important!). The answer is a loyalty program.

But are restaurant loyalty programs worth it? Here are 3 benefits of restaurant loyalty programs:

• More Visits: 47% of restaurant reward members go many times a month, and 32% go several times a week. If your restaurant has a loyalty program, consumers will return more frequently. That means happier customers and more revenue.
• Enhance customer engagement: Loyalty programs may transform your consumers into your marketing squad. If they’re excited about the perks they’re getting, they’ll tell their friends and family about your restaurant. Then, a lot of hungry people might come in.
• Getting to know your customers: If you know their birthday, you can send them a special deal because you know what foods they order most often and how often they come in. This information is like a secret code that will help you make everything about the meal even better for everyone.

That’s it! With loyalty programs, everyone wins. Your loyal consumers get what they want, and you gain more passionate advocates who will promote your excellent cuisine. . 

Keep reading for restaurant loyalty program examples that can turn your restaurant into the town’s hottest VIP club!

Top 10 Restaurant Loyalty Programs Examples In 2024

Discover the top 10 restaurant loyalty program examples that will revolutionize the business in 2024 with our comprehensive list. We’ll go over their savory perks, how they employ technology to keep people involved, and what makes them distinctive. 

#1 Starbucks Rewards: Revolutionizing Coffee Loyalty

While free coffee is readily available, Starbucks stands out with one of the top restaurant loyalty program examples, offering more than just a caffeine perk. In October 2022, CNN said there were 28.7 million Starbucks reward users. People feel more loyal to Starbucks now that they have a program called Starbucks Rewards works great in the mobile app.

This is what makes Starbucks Rewards an excellent app for phones:

• Easy convenience: With the Starbucks app, all member have to do to get rewards is scan their phone when they check out.

• Personalized experience: Companies may earn up to 40% more revenue via personalization, which Starbucks knows. Their app offers more than simply points. Starbucks offers personalized birthday prizes and unique incentives to make you feel special.

• Special access: Mobile ordering skips the line, and members can access new menu items and seasonal drinks early. Feeling like you’re part of a club when something is exclusive makes people more loyal to that brand.

The Starbucks benefits program makes things easier and more personalized. It uses the power of a mobile app to give customers special benefits and keep them highly involved with the Starbucks brand. 

#2 Domino’s Piece Of The Pie Rewards: Gamified Pizza Loyalty

Domino’s Pizza cements its place among the top restaurant loyalty program examples by pioneering gamified rewards in pizza delivery. To keep consumers returning, they have an exciting and entertaining reward system called Piece of the Pie Rewards.

Here’s how Domino’s slices up the rewards pie:

• Earn points with every pizza: No matter the size or toppings, every purchase counts toward the membership. This simple procedure encourages frequent orders, which does not make placing an order a burden.
• Simple Tracking: Forget about fiddling with codes or cards. Your progress towards that free pizza incentive may be easily monitored via your online account or app.
• Game On!: The program makes things more fun by giving extra points for certain food items or online shopping. This “gamification” part makes the process more fun by buying pizza into a quest to earn points.

Customers like reward programs that are simple to use (53% of respondents), which is why Domino’s Piece of the Pie Rewards makes their loyalty isn’t a test. They made a program that makes customers feel appreciated and encourages them to keep Domino’s as their go-to pizza place accessible, praising every buy and adding a bit of game-like fun.

#3 Chick-fil-A One: Personalized Chicken Delights

Chick-fil-A has raised the bar for customer service with its Chick-fil-A One award program. It is already known for having great service and tasty chicken burgers. Their app-based program makes every visit fun by giving prizes in a new way and making it easier to buy things.

Here’s how Chick-fil-A One serves up loyalty on a silver platter:

• Personalized rewards: The program doesn’t just give everyone the same thing. Chick-fil-A One keeps track of what members buy and gives they benefits based on what they want.

• Easy ordering: With just a few taps, the member can review the menu, change their order, and to cash in their benefits. This makes Chick-fil-A a great place for lunch on the go and makes people more likely to return.

• Five-level system: As you place more orders, you increase the ranks and access even more special prizes and perks. This encourages people to come back and gives you a sense of success as you move up the Chick-fil-A One ladder.

Chick-fil-A One develops restaurant rewards programs that are as delicious as its cuisine by providing customized incentives, easy smartphone integration, and a tiered structure. This benefits consumers and Chick-fil-A by strengthening connections while satisfying chicken desires.

#4 Panera Bread MyPanera: Bread-Baking Perks

Panera Bread knows how to win hearts with its MyPanera rewards program. Apart from points and discounts, this program offers tailored rewards, exclusive events, and early access to new material to keep members coming back.

Here are some great benefits that MyPanera has to offer: 

• Rewards made to order: MyPanera doesn’t believe in a cookie-cutter approach. Rewards are based on prior purchases**. Love their bakery goods? This kind gesture makes you feel cherished and inspires you to try new dishes.
• Behind the oven door: MyPanera members receive special previews of new menu items and promotions. This exclusive knowledge excites and makes you feel unique.
• Beyond breakfast: The program provides unique experiences beyond free meals. Imagine taking culinary classes with Panera’s chief chef or receiving early access to seasonal items. These unique benefits turn loyalty into valued membership.

The MyPanera program at MyPanera Bread is just as friendly as the bakery because it focuses on customization, uniqueness, and one-of-a-kind experiences to keep customers going back.. 

#5 Dunkin’ Rewards: Perks for Coffee and Donut Lovers

For those who like sweets with their coffee, Dunkin’ Rewards is the way to go. With this simple program, you may earn points with every purchase—every delicious meal and drink you make can go toward free Dunkin’ Donuts.

Here’s how Dunkin’ Rewards makes things better for their regular customers:

• Points for every purchase: Each coffee, tea, breakfast sandwich, or donut you purchase gives you points. This simple system encourages you to frequent Dunkin’ Donuts throughout the day, whether for your morning coffee fix or an afternoon pick-me-up snack.

• Climbing the rewards ladder: Earn points to climb Dunkin’ Rewards and receive greater offers. Another reason to return is free drinks or discounts on your favorite dishes.

• Member exclusives: Dunkin’ Donuts Rewards extend beyond basic points. The program provides special menu items and early access to new releases, making you feel like a valuable part of the Dunkin’ Donuts family.

Dunkin’ Rewards knows that consistency keeps consumers loyal. They keep customers interested and make Dunkin’ their favorite coffee spot and win rewards with a simple points system, many awards, and unique rewards.

#6 McDonald’s MyMcDonald’s Rewards: Fast Food, Faster Rewards

The MyMcDonald’s Rewards program at McDonald’s shows the importance of convenience and quickness in the fast food industry.  With this app-based program, you may earn points redeemable for free food when you dine often.

Here’s how MyMcDonald’s Rewards gets you the golden arches treatment:

• On the go: MyMcDonald’s Rewards program is the mobile app integration for loyalty programs, making earning points with mobile orders easier. Skip the line, order, and watch your points build up—perfect for hectic schedules and burger appetites.

• Multiple levels: MyMcDonald’s Rewards has more than one level. As you visit more, your tier increases, giving you more points for each buy. This gives them a reason to keep you returning for those tasty fries (and maybe even a better choice!).

• Bonus bites: The program allows you to earn extra points throughout the year. These deals can be for certain food items or special events, making your visit to McDonald’s more fun and unexpected.

MyMcDonald’s incentives emphasize mobile ease of use, levels of prizes, and bonus points to make loyalty easy and exciting. It’s perfect for those who prefer burgers on the run and want to reward their frequent visits to McDonald’s.

#7 Chipotle Rewards: Fresh Mex Loyalty

Fresh, delectable food isn’t the only thing that matters to Chipotle Mexican Grill; they also value their loyal customers and want to thank them. They use mobile technology to create a simple and customized reward program that keeps you returning for guac.

Here’s how Chipotle uses its app to cultivate a loyal following:

• Rewards and mobile ordering: Order your favorite burrito or bowl, get points, and redeem them for delicious goodies with the app. Chipotle’s perks and convenience make fitting into your busy life simple.
• Beyond generic Pepper Perks: Chipotle Rewards is personalized. Past orders determine your “Pepper Perks” in the program. Do you always add guacamole? Your next visit may include free guac. This kindness makes you feel special and encourages menu exploration.
• Parties for birthdays: They are the best restaurant loyalty programs for birthdays! Chipotle offers complimentary or discounted birthday menu items, making the celebration even greater.

Chipotle incentives make loyalty as fresh and savory as their cuisine by concentrating on mobile convenience, customized incentives, and birthday surprises.  It’s ideal for busy Mexican food lovers who want to be rewarded for their devotion.

#8 TGI Fridays Rewards: Casual Dining with Exclusive Benefits

Want to spice up your relaxed eating with fun and flavor? Look no further than “Stripes Rewards” at TGI Fridays. Restaurant loyalty programs examples do more than just give you points; they also work with your eating experience and give you special deals and prizes that make your Fridays more exciting.

Here’s how TGI Fridays add greatness to your eating experience:

• App-tastic rewards: Use the digital card to verify your meal and get points. Stripes may get you free appetizers, dinners, or desserts, making every meal a reward feast.
• More than Stripes: Like a VIP ticket to deliciousness, they get complimentary chips and salsa with every visit or can upgrade their snack for a nominal price.
• Birthday bonanza: Members get unique birthday goodies, which make your special day even more joyful (and tasty).

TGI Fridays’ Stripes Rewards program deliver a fun, engaging loyalty program that immediately improves the eating experience by emphasizing smartphone convenience, in-dining awards, special bonuses, and birthday celebrations.   

#9 Olive Garden Rewards: Italian Flavors Earn Points

Olive Garden has a loyalty program called Olive Garden Rewards and its famously unending breadsticks and pasta bowls. This program emphasizes providing members an exceptional dining experience rather than just basic benefits.

Here’s how Olive Garden’s program adds flavor to your Italian dining experience:

• Early access and exclusive offers: This loyalty club gets first access to new menu items and year-round savings. This intimate treatment makes you feel special and encourages new recipes.
• Birthday celebrations: Your birthday party will be even more memorable (and tasty!) with the complementary dessert that Olive Garden members enjoy.
• Staying Informed: Being a member keeps you up-to-date on everything in Olive Garden. Promotions, forthcoming events, and new menu items will be featured in tailored mailings. So will keep you updated on all the newest Olive Garden delights.

Olive Garden’s loyalty  program emphasizes camaraderie and exclusivity rather than points.  They attract loyal customers with early access, birthday presents, customized correspondence, and wonderful Italian food.

#10 Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin’ Rewards: Wings With Added Perks

Calling all wing lovers! If you’re a lover of Buffalo Wild Wings, you can get your wing and beer fix at the same time as you can earn points with their Blazin’ points program.  The unique eating privilege this program offers takes your Buffalo Wild Wings experience to a whole new level, going above and beyond basic points.

Here’s how Blazin’ Rewards turns you into a Blazin’ Regular:

• Double down on rewards: Earn double points on Tuesdays. This promotion encourages midweek wing appetites and rewards game-day snacking.
• Flavor up your rewards: “Blazin’ Challenges” make the program more fun. When you finish these tasks, like trying a new sauce or eating a certain number of wings, you’ll get special benefits like free snacks or extra points. It looks more like a game and adds a bit of friendly competition.
• Birthday blasts: Buffalo Wild Wings knows how to throw a great party for a birthday. During their birthday month, Blazin’ Rewards members get a free 6 Wings. This is a great reason to get together with friends and enjoy some wings in the house.

With birthday parties, special gifts, and chores like games, Blazin’ Gifts makes a reward program that’s fun, interesting, and great for people who love wings. 

Summing Up

Giving away free food is a nice bonus, but other ways exist to get the most out of your restaurant’s reward program. You may convert non-customers into loyal customers by offering personalized awards, simple mobile integration, and one-of-a-kind experiences. In restaurants, customer trust may lead to more return business and give you the information you need to improve your product and service.

Ready to enhance Shopify rewards? BON Loyalty is the top-recommended Shopify loyalty app voted by Shopify merchants! This loyalty and referral program provides unlimited rewards, strong referrals, VIP levels, and brand customization. Your loyalty program may be as unique and delicious as your food. 

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