How subscriptions and loyalty programs can help restaurants retain patrons
If you’re a restaurant owner, you know that one of the most important things is to retain your patrons and one way to do that is to offer subscriptions and loyalty programs.
What are restaurant loyalty programs?
Who doesn't like a little extra something, a complimentary dish, a free dessert or a side of fries to go with the beer? I would say everyone! However, it is not feasible for a restaurant business to offer freebies to anyone and everyone who walks in through the doors and orders a meal. So, how do you select and choose who to give these rewards to and who all need to be retained? Loyalty programs are the answer to this question.
Restaurant loyalty programs are a way of retaining customers by offering them bonus points, discounts, exclusive access to special meals, previews and more. When you offer a little extra something to a customer, they feel rewarded and appreciated for their regular purchases and repeated visits. And as a business, you must be already aware of how hard it is to retain a customer than gaining a new one. Customer loyalty is not something that can be bought, it has to be earned and loyalty program is a means of achieving just that.
Apart from the customer loyalty factor, these programs also help businesses get access to large volumes of data regarding the customers who are signing up. These data sets then go on to help the businesses better market their products while also offering specific products, meals and services according to the preferences of the patrons. Ultimately, it is only the cash registers that are bound to see the uptick thanks to the rewards program.
What’s the need of a loyalty program?
A recent report by Paytronix and PYMNTS has found that 47% diners in the United States now use at least one loyalty program. The report has further found that the younger generation of diners are looking to get incentivized with rewards programs and they are signing up for these in large numbers. In fact, in the post-pandemic world, this has given rise to a number of new loyalty programs while the old timers have also been forced to refurbish their existing programs to compete with rivals.
For example, Chipotle's rewards program that was launched in 2019, has managed to gather 23 million members in only a few years. The company has said that the program has helped them better engage with their patrons while also drive the frequency of purchases. Do you see how these programs are reaping benefits for restaurant businesses? Let me tell you more-
Another survey by Rewards Network has found that 47% people consider loyalty programs even more important after the pandemic. With demands for dining out steadily going up, business is seeing an upward curve and so are restaurants vying for the customer's attention. And what better way than a fulfilling rewards program that gives the patrons a little extra?
Moreover, with many layoffs, economic slowdown and the doom of a recession, customers are even more on the lookout to get the maximum benefits for their buck. A good loyalty program promises to give them that. In such a scenario, restaurants should find a way to reward customers who are spending their hard-earned money on their offerings.
Apart from driving loyalty and repeated sales, rewards programs will also help you gain access to a large data bank on the customers. This will help you understand their behavior, purchase patterns, meal preferences and special days, which you can use to your benefit and improve your marketing efforts.
Do small businesses also need loyalty programs?
Who doesn't appreciate loyalty and returning customers? I am sure small restaurants would like this even more. And if they do, rewards programs or loyalty programs is the way to get it. Consider this, you have started a small food truck at the corner of a busy street that already has a number of eateries. How do you plan to get yourself noticed? You can start with rewarding each customer that buys a bagel, a coffee or a sandwich. This will make them appreciate your business and remind them of your food truck every time they have a craving for a bagel. Also, when you register their details in your database, you get access to their contact number, birthdates and anniversaries when you can offer more rewards and give them a nudge to come back every time.
You can also introduce tiered loyalty program systems in which you reward your customers with points. With every bill, they will earn points and after crossing a certain level (say 100 points), you give them a free coffee or a dessert. Upon reaching the highest tier, you can offer them a free meal for being a true loyalist who has consistently brought their business to yours and also spread the word about your little truck.
Few loyalty program tricks you should know
We all know about the great stories people have to tell about the Starbucks rewards program or the Panera Bread program. We have taken a few notes or two from the most successful rewards programs and come up with some best practices to follow while you run your own loyalty program. Here goes-
1. Referrals
Honestly, this is a goose that lays golden eggs. You reward your existing customers to get their friends and family to enrol in your rewards program and gain new customers. While they benefit from your rewards, you keep getting new customers who will be loyal and returning thanks to the reference that came from their trusted source and not a sales executive.
2. Free delivery
Introduce the free delivery scheme for your customers who sign up for the rewards program. It is a known fact that most people do not like to pay an additional $1 for delivery. As online ordering grows leaps and bounds, the promise of free delivery can work wonders.
3. Special menu
Promise an exclusive menu or food items to your loyal customers. While the existing members will feel special and appreciated with this, it will also entice new customers in signing up for the program. The promise of exclusives always work in gaining new business.
4. Preferred seating
Give table preferences and prior reservations to the member customers. No matter how crowded your restaurant is, you should be able to squeeze in a seat for your loyalists. This will make them feel appreciated and keep them coming as they'll know that even if no other restaurant lets them in, you will have a table reserved for them.
5. Freebies
The promise of freebies has always worked in any service sector business and especially the restaurant business. You can introduce a welcome dessert, birthday treats, free drinks or a coffee. All freebies work to keep them coming back. When you place a special birthday cake at the table of a customer without them asking for it, it is sure to bring a smile to their faces. They will also remember the gesture.
You May Also Enjoy
Vegetarian restaurants promote sustainability and healthy dining through technology, diverse plant-based options, and support for local farmers. Th...
In a fast-food world that’s increasingly focused on speed and convenience, Drive Thrus are becoming more popular.
A seasonal restaurant menu has many advantages, but the top four are listed here.
With employee management software you can keep tabs on your team and your payroll without driving yourself crazy.
Digital signage has come a long way since tube-lit marquees. Here’s how its new avatars can raise restaurant revenue.
While the game is the main attraction of Super Bowl Sunday, the delicious food that is enjoyed is a close runner-up.
The last thing you’d expect a Wifi system to do is build brand loyalty, but it can. This article tells you how.
Catering is a great way to expand your business, particularly when you serve your own neighborhood.
Show your customers a good time this Valentine’s Day by making sure everything is on point. Here’s what to focus on.
If you haven’t heard of Angel Shots, it’s time to catch up. They’re not Liquor Shots, but you should be serving them.
Are you looking for a food handler course to help you get ahead in the food industry? Here are five of the best ones.
A survey carried out by Piper Sandler revealed that Chick-fil-A is considered a favorite by Gen Z. The survey is packed with information about Gen ...
The announcement by Capital Tacos comes just two months after the Tex Mex restaurant chain announced plans to start a franchise program. This initi...
Following the incredible success of their Happy Meals for kids, McDonald’s recently announced the launch of the Happy Meal for adults. What goes in...
New technologies are emerging that are transforming the food industry, making it more efficient, sustainable, and safe. Here are the some of the mo...
Olive Garden’s Never Ending Pasta Bowl brought back for the 25th anniversary of the deal and priced at $13.99, is valid only till November 20, 2022...
Reef Technology, the kitchen brand company, recently lost a number of partners such as Burger King, Popeyes, Jack in the Box, and Del Taco. The com...
Some of the most loved and iconic restaurant chains in the United States have shut down hundreds of locations over the last few years. Subway and R...
The pizza chain is offering patrons who order the burger till October 31 a free 7-inch pizza that can be redeemed on their next visit. The burger w...
Chipotle Mexican Grill is required to pay nearly $8 million in labor law violations. This is the second case regarding child labor laws violations ...
Texas Roadhouse is the latest to join the growing number of restaurants that have created and sold merchandise as a way to engage with customers. T...
Several struggling pizza chains, such as Pie Five and Pizza Inn, are bouncing back with greater gusto to reclaim their share of the market! Many ha...
The new plant-based Carne Asada steak by Taco Bell in collaboration with Beyond Meat is the first of its kind in the quick service industry. The pr...
Move over, full-sized cocktails. It’s time to make way for their mini counterparts. That’s right, mini cocktails are the big new bar fad, and for g...
Panera is testing automated voice ordering at two of its restaurants in Upstate New York. Panera is only one of the many in the food and beverage i...
Raphael Perrier, co-founder of Kahwa Coffee Roaster, has stated that the expansion plan through franchise has been in the works for five years and ...
Before the Seattle deal was announced at the end of August, the California-based grilled chicken chain, El Pollo Loco, also announced plans to expa...
Virtual brand MrBeast Burger, helmed by YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, who runs a channel by the same name on the video-sharing platform, set up its fir...
If you’re planning on giving your restaurant an overhaul, here are some design ideas to make your space more inviting and efficient. Your business ...
Donut giant Krispy Kreme is positive about the success of its hub-and-spokes model and believes that it will continue to grow. Its stock prices rec...
The legendary Taco Bell and the New York-based dessert company, Milk Bar, have joined forces to create the all-new Strawberry Bell Truffle. Milk Ba...
After a complete revamp of the menu, Subway is now planning to set up automatic meat slicers at all 22,000 of its locations over the course of a ye...
New to the foodservice industry? About to launch your own business? Grab one of the books on this list, sit back with a cup of coffee, and learn th...
There are few things more fun for a food enthusiast than exploring different museums dedicated to this delicious subject. Here are five of the most...
Everyone’s talking about California’s new fast food legislation and what it could spell for the foodservice industry, both in and out of the state....
Paris Baguette’s French-inspired baked goods and desserts are taking America by storm. The South Korean bakery chain has announced expansion plans,...
As more and more consumers turn to a healthier lifestyle, fast food chains have upgraded their salad menus to offer lighter and greener options whi...
The new verification process by DoorDash, the delivery app, requires drivers to determine if the customer is intoxicated or not. It has now raised ...
Amazon has been bullish on its food delivery expansion for a few years now. Back in 2019, it sought to build its own cost-intensive food delivery p...
With edible cutlery, you can cut food safety risks and save costs at the same time. What’s more, these spoons and plates are not just environmental...
Piestro is changing the future of pizza making with their sleek and intuitive automated robots! Check out what these high-tech machines look like a...
After the success of the Fancy Like’ campaign, Applebee is now rebranding itself as a music-oriented brand that is affordable and convenient. It is...
The flexitarian diet has been gaining popularity as more and more people are looking to reduce their meat consumption. Here’s the lowdown on this d...
If you hate waiting in line for your food, here’s some good news. A new type of food delivery system could be coming to a restaurant near you, and ...
Chipotle’s investment in research for innovative tech highlights the growth of AI tech in the restaurant industry. There are many great outcomes to...
with as many great up and coming chefs as America, it can be hard to keep track of who’s who. But if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s th...
In the quick service restaurant industry, it is often the young men and women who are taking their business to the next level. Here are ten rising ...
We’ve all been to a restaurant and had to wait an eternity for our food. Well, what if there were robots that could bring us our food? That’s right...
Food lockers are becoming increasingly popular as a food delivery option. Here’s how they work- customers order food from their favorite restaurant...
The cold brew coffee has been gaining popularity recently. It has become a staple in today’s menu. In this article we dive in-depth to know more ab...
Mobile apps are the new business card. They provide your brand with instant recognition and awareness, which helps you communicate more effectively...
Tackling climate change is crucial and one way is to reduce carbon emissions. The food and beverage sector will see more demand in the future. Henc...
As the food truck industry continues to grow, it’s important to make sure your business is successful. Food trucks have risen in popularity in the ...
A growing number of restaurants and commercial food retailers are adopting new technology to make their operations smoother. It also means an incre...
If you’re a restaurant owner, you know that one of the most important things is to retain your patrons and one way to do that is to offer subscript...
As the restaurant industry continues to face challenges, many are looking at subscription models as a way forward. Let’s look at how restaurants ar...
Are you looking for employees you need to hire? Are you finding it difficult to bring in the candidates you need? Check out these five secrets to h...
The world is facing a food wastage problem. Every year, over 1.3 billion tons of of food is wasted and it’s costing the global economy billions of ...
As the United States grapples with the issue of abortion, restaurants across the country are responding to the Roe v. Wade decision. There are many...
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving and changing. New trends in restaurant technology are always emerging that can help restaurant owner...
NFTs and cryptocurrency can do a lot for restaurants. They can help with marketing, loyalty programs, and even payments.
There have been some considerable permanent changes in the restaurant industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Indoor dining and i...
Triggered by the pandemic, two years of continuous turmoil across industries has led to an acute labor shortage. It isn’t good news. But there’s ho...
If you’re like most businesses, you’re always looking for ways to reduce costs. But what if we told you that there’s a way to reduce labor costs by...
There are many hurdles that keep restaurant chains from becoming the employer of choice. Ranging from the negative connotations to lack of personal...
Keeping your hourly employees happy and productive is a constant challenge for any business. So, to help keep your staff satisfied and loyal, here ...
Business model slides showcase a startup’s marketing and financial strategy to investors so funding can be obtained. Read more about the slides to ...
Acquiring funding from third-party investors is required for startups and small companies. Here are 8 creative ways to gain funding for business gr...
Business risk impacts each organization if there is no enterprise risk management plan in place to mitigate disruption. Here are the 7 types of bus...
Restaurants and grocers can reduce food costs and increase revenue by following a set of best practices. Here are the top tips to decrease food cos...
Work time is very valuable. Employee time theft occurs when workers steal time, money, or information. Here is an overview of employee time theft a...
Speed of service is the amount of time it takes a restaurant to serve its diners. By following the best practices to improve speed, more sales can ...
Businesses need to streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies to achieve operational effectiveness. Here are the best practices to optimize...
Digital signage kiosks provide interactive experiences for the customer, and offer a unique way for companies to analyze information, build brand a...
Restaurant forecasting software collects data from historical and real-time transactions to detect future sales patterns and predict potential outc...
Developing a well-defined restaurant organization strategy will ensure that perishable goods, like meat and produce, are properly stocked and food ...
Restaurant loyalty programs reward members for visiting and making purchases, improving customer engagement, foot traffic, and sales.
Electronic menu boards provide ample opportunities for restaurants to improve sales and draw in consumers through impressionable visuals, board tem...
Perishable goods, such as produce, dairy products, and raw meats, require proper transportation methods that will guarantee their freshness.
Food supply chain visibility improves inventory management and optimizes relationships with customers. Here is an overview of visibility benefits f...
An optimized food management system allows operators to streamline inventory management, logistics, and prevent food safety problems. Here are the ...
Maintaining operational efficiency in restaurants entails managing several operations, such as employee, customer, inventory, and workflow control.
Utilizing technology solutions and data analysis to improve supply chain management will prevent illness, streamline supply chain processes, and in...
Understanding and controlling the 4 major sources of restaurant costs will help businesses protect their bottom line.
Implementing a plan to manage food waste will help the restaurant industry boost its profitability, save money, and streamline operations. Here are...
By learning the causes and prevention methods of food spoilage, restaurants can minimize their food waste, improving efficiency and profitability.
Self-ordering kiosks are becoming increasingly popular among modern restaurants. With this technology, restaurateurs can ensure quick service and a...
Digital menus utilize videos, graphics, and customized messaging to inform customers about menu items, display company information, and offer promo...
Restaurant operations include all front house and back house day to day activities.
Restaurants that understand the cost of goods sold can better manage, regulate, and source their inventory to increase turnover and reduce food was...
By choosing the appropriate restaurant food storage containers, establishments can streamline preparation and inventory counts while reducing food ...
From cafes to sports bars, small businesses can improve their capacity by using restaurant design ideas that maximize available space through layou...
A restaurant newsletter gives businesses the chance to offer their audience customized content, while driving customer engagement, new leads, and o...
Restaurants must depend on the efficiency of their supply chains in order to meet customer demand. Find out how to optimize the restaurant supply c...
A cafe POS system provides the security and payment processing features necessary to orchestrate daily operations for small businesses and large ca...
Avoiding cross contamination is crucial to preventing food poisoning and foodborne illness outbreaks.
Food safety is a non-negotiable component of any food business. All food professionals should have the knowledge to properly implement food safety ...
Restaurant accounting is an essential process that every establishment needs to determine its financial health and profitability.
Understanding restaurant profit margins is extremely vital to the success of any restaurant. Without a comprehensive knowledge of how to calculate ...
Restaurant analytics can increase revenue by providing management with data-based reports on guest experience, staff performance, inventory, sales,...
Business analytics dashboards are an integral component for delivering important business metrics. Here are the best practices for implementing a B...
Discover the key features of restaurant inventory management software, how to monitor food costs, as well as the importance of automation in invent...
Great restaurant management can make the difference between whether a restaurant is successful or not.
Calculating the food cost and using food cost control techniques are crucial for a restaurant’s bottom line.
Biometric scanners and fingerprint identification systems are now being utilized in workplaces all around the United States to track time and atten...
Curbside pickup allows customers to purchase and receive products without leaving their cars, streamlining the transaction process and limiting in-...
An online ordering system can promote a restaurant’s scalability by driving its sales, profits, and traffic through digital exposure.
From new technological innovations in-store to increased reliance on social media campaigns and online ordering services, learn the 10 restaurant t...
To create an ideal relationship with restaurant vendors, food service businesses must understand the key actions to take in order to establish a mu...
The science of creating an optimal menu will involve calculating prices geared towards driving profits while creating strategically eye-catching de...
Absenteeism, also known as the bottom line killer, can result in lost productivity for any business. The following addresses the causes of employee...
Food waste is a problem that affects all restaurants. However, there are proven strategies available to address this issue, ranging from redesignin...
Learn how to implement the best practices to protect your business and employees, as we understand the consequences of global pandemics.
The restaurant startup business is very competitive and many, unfortunately, close soon after they open. In this article, we’ll discuss three Hubwo...
Some support systems make a measurable difference in owners’ profitability, while others are no more than words in a sales pitch. So how can a fran...
Managing a restaurant or any startup can be a difficult task. Knowing each complicated element that goes into the day-to-day of a manager is a must...
Restaurant managers may feel that they don’t have enough time to pursue advanced business intelligence (BI) analytics. In this article, we introduc...
Are you entering the restaurant business but don’t know if you want to buy an existing restaurant or build your own? While purchasing an existing r...
Learn how to use social media properly, and you can look forward to increased customer loyalty, a better reputation, and a valuable opportunity to ...
Today, social media is often the first place people go to find a restaurant’s menu, hours, and reviews before heading out. Let’s look at some effec...
If you’ve been in the restaurant business for some time, it’s highly likely you’ve seen trends come and go, but, everyone knows quality is always h...
Honey is universally known as a natural sweetener and is composed of natural sugars. Pure honey, in its raw form, is also used as a remedy for vari...
Many restaurants do not fully understand the effect of customer loyalty on their business success. They endlessly spend money on marketing services...
A bagel is made of wheat-based pastry or bread, which is first boiled or steamed before being baked. Once kneaded and shaped, the bagel is proofed ...
Whether you are planning to start a new restaurant business or you already have an established business, there are certain things you must take int...
Not utilizing these tried and true best practices for inventory control has caused many restaurants to fail before they ever get a chance to thrive...
Storytelling is a powerful marketing strategy that builds trust and helps you connect with your clients. You need to leverage your brand story to e...
The restaurant management software you use is essential to your business’ success. Many owners and managers get caught up in the human aspect of ma...
As you grow older, you may begin to notice that you suffer more from common ailments, like the cold and flu, during the colder seasons. To combat t...
While Thanksgiving is often associated with food, loved ones, and overly full stomachs, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving, it can also be correlated w...
Your food runner is one of your most important restaurant employees. Choose the right food runner, server, waiter, and waitress to be the collectiv...
Sunflower oil is a healthy option for all your favorite recipes as it’s valued for its light taste and frying performance. High in Vitamin E, Sunfl...
You need to be on Google. It’s the largest of all search engines, and it is proven to help restaurants boost their business. Let’s take a look at s...
Whether you are running late or not feeling hungry, no reason justifies skipping breakfast. Your body needs energy, which is obtained through food,...
Every bar is different, but one uniting element is the need for inventory counts. With an inventory management app, such as Zip Inventory by Hubwor...
Do you enjoy seafood, like crab and lobster, but struggle with being able to eat it because of the shell? Combat this problem by learning how to br...
A quality restaurant POS system can be utilized to help users better understand their business’ performance and improve upon vulnerabilities, by pr...
As I slowly ascend the vibrant and healthy moss-covered hillside, I methodically scan my immediate vicinity with a patiently focused gaze. It doesn...
Shortcuts aren’t always a bad thing. When it comes to running a restaurant, you need to find ways to get tasks done quickly without sacrificing qua...
There are so many food holidays in a year and with a little creativity here and there, any restaurant owner or manager can attract more customers a...
Surprisingly, one of the most common problems of restaurants is its menu. Whether it’s the design or the number of pages the menu has, it’s certain...
Zip Clock, from Hubworks, is being honored as this year’s Editor’s Choice Award for it’s affordability and advanced functionality.. Zip Clock is a ...
CREAM founder and co-president, Gus Shamieh, tells us the whole story.
Scheduling solutions are garnering a lot of interest lately from operators. Due to a perfect storm of rising wages, health care costs, and employer...
With eRestaurant 2018, Altametrics continues to break new ground.
When subzero temperatures start creeping in, ice cream shops tend to see less and less customers walking through the door. So, here’s the big quest...
Having the knowledge of how much your food costs you to sell is critical to running a successful operation. Your food cost percentage should be ut...
Millennials are claiming their stake as the most engaged group of diners yet. They go out to dinner more often than their predecessors ever did, an...
A lot has been written about how to manage Millennials versus Baby Boomers. And that’s valuable information – for many employers, the differences b...
Restaurateurs need to ensure that food safety is top of their agenda when they open their business. Their commercial kitchen, and all areas of the ...
The restaurant industry is rising and expanding again with the support of cutting edge technologies. This signifcant increase of technology has bol...
Before you place incoming meat, poultry, or seafood in its rightful storage, a proper inspection following a detailed guide should take place. This...
Restaurant security should be one of the biggest priorities for owners of a restaurant operation, especially when you consider how much cash and cr...
The menu is a main driving force in getting customers in the door, and they want to pay for the quality they are receiving. The prices on the menu ...
Managing staff is both the most complex and rewarding part of becoming a restaurant manager for the first time. You have a vision for how you want ...
Off-premise orders are driving growth for restaurants, so how can you get your share? Adding catering to your business is one way to go. Sound inti...
Food has long held its rank in the business setting. Increasingly, however, companies are moving beyond taking a decision maker out for a nice meal...
One of the best ways for restaurateurs to improve their business is to listen to their customers and take their opinions on board, whether they are...
Restaurant owners and managers are really starting to feel the effects of a rising minimum wage and increased labor costs. Today, more and more res...
Point of sale (POS) systems have given the restaurant industry a huge boost over the last few years, and as the technology continues to develop, so...
In order for your restaurant to run smoothly during every service, the right equipment has to be in store and on hand so that your servers can deli...
Your menu is your moneymaker, which means it plays a huge role in attracting guests to eat at your restaurant and consider it their usual haunts. Y...
CKE Restaurants CEO Andy Puzder loves the company’s flirtatious TV spots, he hates big government, and he gets why his 23-year-old son wonders wher...
Taco Bell has managed to successfully captivate the attention of Millennials everywhere and they continue to gain their loyalty. How has the once s...
One of the biggest emerging trends in restaurants is the return of the communal table. Communal tables are long, shared tables where people are typ...
Who can resist a sweet, fluffy, doughnut? With flavors like huckleberry and maple bacon being served up fresh every hour, Sidecar Doughnuts in Sout...
The Denver-based fast-casual chain has millions of followers — but that doesn't stop them from going all-in with customers on social channels.
I was lucky enough to sit down for a Q&A with one of Popbar’s founders; Reuben BenJehuda to indulge myself in some of the techniques the chain ...
How Corner Bakery Cafe sifted OT out of its restaurant payrolls with a pull-no-punches, intelligent timeclock solution
RMagazine had the pleasure to sit down and pick the mind of Elie Ayrouth, the founder of Foodbeast, the “TMZ of food news.” He has his head down w...
The expeditor is your sentry at the kitchen window, the human linchpin who operates where the expectations of the seated customer — in terms of foo...
