Restaurant loyalty programs are reward systems that give customers points, stamps, or perks for repeat visits and spending — turning one-time diners into regulars.
The most successful examples — Starbucks Rewards, Chipotle Rewards, and Chick-fil-A One — share three traits: they’re app-based, simple to use, and reward customers fast.
In this guide, you’ll find the 10 best restaurant loyalty program examples, the 7 main program types, what they cost, and how to choose the right one. Restaurants using UpMenu’s loyalty add-on report up to a 25% increase in average order value after launching one.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a program type: for most restaurants, points-based or item-based rewards (earn points, redeem for discounts or free items) are the easiest place to start.
- Boost retention: based on our customer data, restaurant loyalty programs increase repeat visits, lifting customer retention by up to 18%.
- Keep it simple: make joining one tap and show customers their progress clearly to keep them engaged.
- Increase average order value: members often spend more per visit to earn points and unlock rewards.
- Turn customers into advocates: loyal guests recommend your restaurant, bringing in new customers through word of mouth.
- Collect valuable data: rewards programs capture customer data you can use to tailor marketing and menu decisions.
- Save on marketing: a well-designed program is a low-cost marketing tool that strengthens relationships and grows revenue.
What are Restaurant Loyalty Programs?
Restaurant loyalty programs are strategies that reward customers for coming back. When you join, you earn rewards, points, or stamps for each visit, purchase, or dollar spent.
The primary goal of a restaurant loyalty program is to build strong, long-term relationships with customers, boost retention, increase how often people visit, and grow restaurant revenue.
The behaviour is widespread: according to Deloitte’s restaurant loyalty research, nearly half (47%) of loyalty program members use their memberships several times a month, while almost a third (32%) use them several times a week.
A restaurant loyalty program usually includes the following components:
- Joining: customers become members, usually through a branded mobile app, website, or a physical card.
- Earning rewards: customers collect points or rewards for each purchase or visit.
- Tiers or levels: some programs use a tiered structure, where members unlock bigger benefits as they accumulate points.
- Incentives: members get discounts, free food (a free coffee or beverage), or special offers as a thank-you for their loyalty.
- Personal touch: many programs use data to personalise offers and recommendations.
- Staying in touch: restaurants message members by email, text, or app about new deals and bonus rewards.
Types of Restaurant Loyalty Programs
There are seven main types of restaurant loyalty programs. Points-based programs are the most common; tiered programs drive the highest spend.
- Points-based: customers earn points per dollar (or per order) and redeem them for food or discounts. Best for most restaurants. Example: Domino’s, MyMcDonald’s.
- Tiered: members unlock better perks as they spend more, adding status and exclusivity. Best for building long-term regulars. Example: Chick-fil-A One, Subway MVP.
- Item / visit-based: rewards are tied to a number of visits or items bought (“buy 10, get 1 free”). Best for cafés and quick-service. Example: Costa Club.
- Subscription: customers pay a monthly fee for ongoing perks like free delivery or unlimited drinks. Best for high-frequency venues. Example: MyPanera Sip Club ($14.99/month).
- Digital stamp (punch card): a modern punch card: a digital stamp per order, with a reward after a set number. Simple, no physical card. Best for fast, frequent orders, especially through restaurant apps.
- Cash-back / store credit: customers earn credit (e.g. $5 per $50) to spend on a future order. Best for guaranteeing return visits.
- Hybrid: a mix (e.g. points + tiers, or stamps + subscription) tailored to your customers.
Which to choose? Start with points or digital stamps if you want simplicity, add tiers once you have repeat regulars, and layer a subscription only if customers already order frequently.
10 Best Restaurant Loyalty Programs Examples That Work
Acquiring a new customer can be five to 25 times more expensive than retaining an existing one, depending on the industry — which is exactly why loyalty programs matter for restaurants that want to grow.
Below are 10 real examples that drive repeat business, followed by what I’d take from each one.
| Program | Type | How You Earn | Main Reward | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipotle Rewards | Points-based | Points per purchase | Free food (free guac for new members) | App, in-store, online |
| Domino's Rewards | Points-based | Points per $10 order | Free medium 2-topping pizza (60 pts) | Phone, in-person, online, app |
| Starbucks Rewards | Points-based (Stars) | Stars per purchase | Free food & drinks (from 25 Stars) | App |
| Subway MVP Rewards | Tiered | 10–12 pts per $1 (Pro/Captain/All-Star) | Free menu items | App, online, in-store |
| Hut Rewards (Pizza Hut) | Points-based | 2 pts per $1 online | Free items (breadsticks, pizza & more) | Online, app |
| MyPanera + Sip Club | Subscription / visit | Visits + $14.99/mo Sip Club | Free bakery items, unlimited drinks | In-store, online |
| Chick-fil-A One | Tiered | Points per $1 (One/Silver/Red/Signature) | Free food, gifting, exclusive experiences | App |
| MyMcDonald's Rewards | Points-based | 100 pts per $1 (redeem at 1,500) | Free menu items | App, drive-thru, kiosk |
| Costa Club | Item-based | Buy 10, get 1 free (+ beans for reusable cups) | Free drink | App |
| Dunkin' Rewards | Points-based | 10 pts per $1 | Free items, 3X birthday bonus | App, in-store |
1. Chipotle Rewards
Chipotle Rewards offers customers points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for free food.
New members receive a free guacamole reward on their next order, and members enjoy exclusive offers, birthday rewards, and early access to promotions. Points accumulate through both in-store and online orders, helping drive repeat business.
Program type: Points-based
What I’d take from Chipotle Rewards:
- Make the app the centre of the experience: encourage customers to download and use your app to track points, redeem rewards, and get free food. Promote it through in-store signage and digital marketing.
- Celebrate birthdays: add a birthday reward and promote it through the app — it’s a simple way to drive a visit.
- Promote exclusive offers: use the app to send members-only deals and refresh them regularly to incentivise repeat visits.
2. Domino’s Rewards
Domino’s Rewards is a simple, effective program that awards points for every $10 order. Once you reach 60 points, you can redeem them for a free medium two-topping pizza.
It’s available across phone, in-person, online, and the app, making it accessible to all customers.
Program type: Points-based
What I’d take from Domino’s Rewards:
- Enable flexible ordering: let customers earn points through phone, in-person, online, or app orders, and promote that flexibility.
- Maximise multiple rewards: Domino’s lets customers redeem up to 5 free pizzas in 24 hours — generous redemption encourages frequent orders.
- Make tracking easy: ensure customers can clearly see their points and redeem rewards in the app.
3. Starbucks Rewards
Starbucks Rewards lets customers earn Stars with every purchase, redeemable for free food, drinks, and other rewards.
The program is built around the Starbucks app, where customers customise orders, save favourites, and pay seamlessly, redeeming rewards from just 25 Stars and enjoying perks like birthday treats and Bonus Star challenges.
It works: Starbucks Rewards has grown to 34.6 million active U.S. members, who now drive roughly 57% of the chain’s U.S. sales — clear proof that a well-run rewards program lifts repeat business and revenue.
Program type: Points-based
What I’d take from Starbucks Rewards:
- Personalise through the app: let customers save favourite orders, customise drinks, and track rewards, and pair it with in-store promotions.
- Run bonus challenges: create excitement with your own version of Starbucks’ Double Star Days to boost engagement.
- Simplify ordering and payment: let customers order ahead and save payment methods so ordering on the go is effortless, especially at peak times.
4. Subway MVP Rewards
Subway’s MVP Rewards has three levels — PRO, Captain, and All-Star — that reward customers with more as they spend more (10, 11, and 12 points per dollar respectively).
Points are redeemed for free menu items, and the program is fully integrated with the Subway app for tracking, ordering, and exclusive offers. New members get a free treat for joining.
Program type: Tier-based
Our Insights on Subway MVP Rewards Program
What I’d take from Subway MVP Rewards:
- Use a sign-up bonus: offer and promote a joining reward (Subway gives new members a points bonus) both in-store and online.
- Make the app central: encourage customers to track points, order ahead, and access offers through the app.
- Reward higher tiers: build campaigns around the perks of advancing through tiers to keep members climbing.
5. Hut Rewards
Hut Rewards lets customers earn 2 points for every $1 spent on food and drinks through online orders, redeemable for free items like breadsticks and pizza.
Members enjoy exclusive offers such as early access to new products, discounts, and birthday rewards, and the app saves payment and address details for faster checkout.
Program type: Points-based
What I’d take from Hut Rewards:
- Reward online orders: award points for every online purchase (Pizza Hut gives 2 points per $1) to steer customers to your own channel.
- Streamline online checkout: let customers save payment and address details for a faster, more convenient repeat order.
- Use member-only promotions: reserve special offers for loyalty members to make the program feel worth joining.
6. MyPanera Rewards
MyPanera rewards customers with free bakery items, coffee, and discounts for every in-store and online visit, plus 30 days of free delivery for new members.
For beverage lovers, the Sip Club subscription provides unlimited coffee, tea, iced coffee, lemonade, and fountain drinks for $14.99/month, with two months free for new members.
Program type: Subscription-based
What I’d take from MyPanera Rewards:
- Pair loyalty with a subscription: combine your program with a subscription perk (like Panera’s Sip Club) to add value and recurring revenue.
- Use a strong joining bonus: Panera’s 30 days of free delivery for new members attracts sign-ups and encourages immediate participation.
- Personalize communication: use text and email to keep members informed about new offers and their progress toward free items.
7. Chick-fil-A One
Chick-fil-A One rewards customers with points for every dollar spent, redeemable for free food and exclusive rewards, all managed through the Chick-fil-A app.
It has tiered levels — Chick-fil-A One, Silver, Red, and Signature — each offering more points per dollar and perks like gifting rewards and exclusive experiences such as Backstage Tours.
Members also get birthday rewards and personalized offers.
Program type: Tier-based
What I’d take from Chick-fil-A One:
- Use tiers to deepen loyalty: reward frequent customers with four levels, each offering more points and better rewards.
- Allow reward gifting: letting higher-tier members gift rewards (as Chick-fil-A does) adds engagement and shares your brand.
- Offer exclusive experiences: unique perks for top-tier members, like behind-the-scenes access, to deepen loyalty.
8. MyMcDonald’s Rewards
MyMcDonald’s Rewards awards 100 points for every dollar spent on eligible items; at 1,500 points, members can start redeeming free menu items.
It’s fully integrated into the McDonald’s app for tracking, ordering, and redeeming in-store, at the Drive Thru, or via kiosks. New users get 1,500 bonus points for linking a payment card.
Program type: Points-based
What I’d take from MyMcDonald’s Rewards:
- Reward sign-ups with bonus points: McDonald’s gives 1,500 points for linking a card and making a first payment — a strong, immediate incentive.
- Make earning effortless: integrate rewards into ordering so customers earn by scanning a code or tapping “Earn Points.”
- Limit redemptions to one per order: capping rewards per order creates value with each transaction and encourages repeat visits.
9. Costa Club
Costa Club rewards customers for each purchase with points redeemable for free drinks, food, and exclusive offers, tracked through the Costa Club app.
New members get a free birthday drink, extra beans for using reusable cups, and other perks, and can earn a free drink faster by buying multiple drinks or visiting Costa Express machines.
Program type: Item-based
What I’d take from Costa Club:
- Reward milestones: Costa’s “buy 10, get 1 free” makes the path to a reward clear and motivating.
- Reward sustainable habits: extra beans for reusable cups promote eco-friendly behavior while building loyalty.
- Drive engagement with promotions: “Coffee Club Days” with double points encourage frequent visits.
10. Dunkin’ Rewards
Dunkin’ Rewards, which replaced DD Perks, lets members earn 10 points for every $1 spent in-store or through the Dunkin’ app.
Members can unlock Boosted Status for frequent visits and enjoy perks like a 3X points bonus on their birthday and collectible in-app badges.
Program type: Points-based
What I’d take from Dunkin’ Rewards:
- Gamify with badges: collectible badges add fun and a sense of accomplishment that keeps customers participating.
- Reward frequency with Boosted Status: extra points for frequent visits (12 points per $1 after 12 visits in a month) drives engagement.
- Offer special perks: touches like a 3X birthday bonus add value and a personal connection.
What Are the Most Common Elements of the Best Loyalty Programs?
Improving customer retention by just 5% can increase profits by 25–95% — which is why small loyalty improvements can lead to big revenue and satisfaction gains. Here are the elements that the best restaurant loyalty programs share.
- Simplicity: customers should be able to open the app, scan a code, and have points added automatically.
- Easy redemption: collecting and redeeming rewards should be effortless.
- Exclusive rewards and perks: the best programs offer rewards, promotions, and discounts reserved for members.
- Tier visibility: in tiered programs, customers should easily see their status and what it takes to level up.
- Push notifications: integrating loyalty with a restaurant mobile app lets you send timely alerts about discounts and promotions.
- Clear program information: explain how the program works, the rewards available, and points earned, on your website and app.
- Low-cost rewards: favour high-perceived-value, low-cost items — a side salad, fries, coleslaw, or breadsticks — for a win-win.
Benefits of Restaurant Loyalty Programs
Here are the key benefits of restaurant loyalty programs and how they impact your business.
1. Loyalty programs foster customer retention
Loyalty programs are key to keeping customers coming back, and diners increasingly expect them — in a 2025 YouGov dining-out survey, 77% of diners said a loyalty program could get them to visit a restaurant more often.
By turning spending into points and rewarding milestones, restaurants give customers a concrete reason to return.
2. Rewards programs encourage larger orders
By offering points for every purchase, restaurant rewards programs motivate customers to add more menu items.
Loyalty also pairs well with suggestive selling — nudging guests to add extras and raise their total order value. Focusing rewards on your most profitable dishes maximises earnings from loyal customers.
3. Loyalty programs provide valuable customer data
Paired with a restaurant Customer Data Platform (CDP), these programs collect information like order preferences, age, and location.
Combining that with sales data, restaurant analytics, and reporting helps you spot trends and adjust your menu to boost sales.
4. Loyal customers act as advocates and refer new customers
Loyal customers bring in new guests through word-of-mouth recommendations to friends and family. Their positive experiences often lead to good online reviews — a powerful, low-cost way to attract new customers to your restaurant.
5. Loyalty programs drive sales growth
A small core of loyal regulars drives a disproportionate share of revenue — and a loyalty program is built to reward exactly those customers, turning more first-timers into repeat business.
The more loyal customers you have, the more repeat orders you generate, which lifts restaurant sales over time.
How to Select the Right Restaurant Rewards Program
Choosing the right restaurant loyalty program can improve the dining experience and save money. Use these criteria to pick the best fit.
- Dining frequency: frequent diners may prefer visit-based rewards; occasional diners may prefer long-term rewards.
- Reward type and structure: match rewards to your customers’ preferences, like discounts or free items.
- Membership requirements: check for any fees or spending thresholds before selecting a restaurant loyalty program.
- Technology and convenience: look for a user-friendly app or online platform for tracking rewards and ordering.
- Expiration and restrictions: understand the policies on points/reward expiration and any usage limits.
5 Recommended Restaurant Loyalty Software
There are many loyalty platforms on the market. While writing this guide, I researched the options that work best for restaurants, drawing on company information and restaurateur feedback. Here’s how they compare.
| Software | Pricing | Best For | Online-Ordering Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| UpMenu | $19/month add-on (7-day free trial) | Independents wanting a low-cost, all-in-one program | Yes — built into ordering & branded app |
| Toast | ~$50/month add-on (+ POS cost) | Restaurants already on Toast POS | Yes — Toast ecosystem |
| Beam Impact | Not publicly disclosed | Brands wanting donation / cause-based rewards | Partner integrations |
| Punchh | Not publicly disclosed | Data-driven, customisable enterprise programs | Yes — omnichannel |
| Glue Loyalty | Free plan; paid from $88/month | Small businesses starting out | Standalone |
For most independents, an affordable all-in-one program wins. UpMenu’s loyalty program software lets you choose points or stamps, set your own rewards, and see customer data in one dashboard — for a fixed monthly fee with no per-order cut.
Customers like it too: there are no physical cards, they can check everything in the app, and the rewards encourage more frequent, larger purchases.
How to Encourage Customers to Join a Restaurant Loyalty Program
Here are practical strategies to boost sign-ups and engagement:
- Integrate it into a mobile app: make it easy to track rewards and access offers through a branded mobile app.
- Offer initial rewards and promote at checkout: give new members a sign-up bonus and promote the program at the point of sale.
- Leverage your existing channels: use social media, SMS, and email marketing campaigns to promote the program and invite customers to join.
- Learn from success stories and pick low-cost rewards: study other restaurants’ programs and choose affordable rewards that protect your margins.
- Integrate with online ordering: let customers earn rewards from both in-store and online orders.
- Simplify the sign-up: keep enrollment to a short form with minimal required information.
- Incentivise referrals: reward existing members for referring new customers to boost word of mouth.
- Create member-only benefits and reminders: offer special promotions for members and send reminders to keep them engaged.
Examples of rewards program incentives
Use these as inspiration to build your own restaurant promotions and loyalty incentives.
Free items, such as:
- a free appetizer
- a free drink
- free kids’ meals
- a free birthday reward
Discounts, such as:
- a $5 discount on your next visit after spending $50
- a free dessert on your 5th visit
- 15% off your entire order on Wednesdays between 2:00–5:00 PM
- buy a pizza, get a second 50% off
- free delivery on your fifth online order
- buy any 2 pizzas, get a cheaper one free
Are Restaurant Loyalty Programs Effective?
After more than six years working with restaurants, I can say loyalty programs are a clear win. I’ve spoken with many UpMenu customers, and after launching a loyalty program they reported a 25% jump in average order value.
Industry research consistently ranks a loyalty program among the top reasons customers spend more at a restaurant — alongside online ordering and the convenience of paying online or on a phone.
Loyalty programs also encourage customers to talk about your restaurant to others and give you valuable insight into your guests, helping you sharpen your restaurant marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do loyalty programs work for restaurants?
Yes. They increase repeat visits, average order value, and retention. Restaurants using UpMenu report up to a 25% increase in average order value after launching one, and nearly half of loyalty members use their membership several times a month (Deloitte).
How do I start a loyalty program for my restaurant?
Pick a type (points or stamps are simplest), choose a low-cost, high-value reward, integrate it with your online ordering and app, then promote it at checkout and by email.
How much does it cost to have a loyalty program?
Usually $0–$90/month. Built-in add-ons are the cheapest — UpMenu’s is $19/month and Toast’s is about $50/month — while standalone platforms like Glue start around $88/month.
What is the best restaurant loyalty program?
There’s no single best one. Starbucks Rewards and Chick-fil-A One are leading tiered examples, while points-based programs suit most independent restaurants.
Are digital loyalty programs better than punch cards?
For most restaurants, yes — digital programs need no physical card, track points automatically, send push reminders, and collect customer data you can market to.
How do I get customers to join my loyalty program?
Offer a sign-up bonus, promote it at checkout and in your app, keep enrollment to one tap, and reward customers for referrals.
What rewards should a restaurant loyalty program offer?
High-perceived-value, low-cost items (a free side, drink, dessert, or birthday treat) plus occasional exclusive perks or early access.
