10 Examples of Restaurant Loyalty Programs That Keep Guests Coming Back for Seconds

In 2025, customer loyalty has taken the restaurant world by storm. Rewards programs aren’t exactly new, but their popularity has skyrocketed thanks to mobile-first technology that puts loyalty right in guests’ pockets. With 60% of Americans now ordering food online every week, mobile apps have become the go-to platform for loyalty programs, making it easy to access rewards on the go.

With over 210,000 fast-food spots in the U.S. alone, keeping diners coming back for seconds has become a competitive sport. But being a household name isn’t enough to build a loyal customer base.

Are you looking to boost repeat business? In this article, we explore 10 most successful restaurant loyalty programs and uncover the strategies that incentivize customers and make them work. From evolving market expectations to shifting industry trends, we break down what makes a restaurant loyalty program effective, including key goals, real-world examples, and must-have features.

What are the biggest challenges to building customer loyalty in the restaurant industry?

Building customer loyalty in the restaurant industry comes with unique challenges. With fierce competition, changing consumer habits, and the rise of food delivery apps, restaurant brands often struggle to create lasting connections with repeat customers. However, when we zoom in on the loyalty technology there are 5 common issues that most restaurant and fast food brands share:

• Fragmented guest data – many restaurants operate across multiple platforms, think in-store POS, online ordering, delivery apps, and social media, but fail to consolidate data.
• Limited integration with POS and ordering systems – a single major hurdle is integrating loyalty platforms with legacy POS systems or third-party delivery services. Without quick syncing, restaurants struggle to apply points consistently, track redemptions in real time, or even recognize loyal customers across channels.
• Poor mobile experience – diners expect frictionless mobile interactions. Unfortunately, many restaurants have outdated or non-intuitive apps that make it hard for guests to track rewards, redeem offers, or even register for memberships.
• Poor loyalty logic and segmentation – basic loyalty systems often lack the logic to support advanced segmentation, time-based perks, or event-triggered campaigns (e.g., birthday offers, abandoned cart reminders).
• Slow processing power – with the rapid pace of QSR orders, especially during peak times, data processing is essential. If loyalty points take too long to appear, it can quickly frustrate diners. A low-latency loyalty system is key to keeping everything running smoothly.
• Making personalization work at scale – diners expect loyalty programs to feel tailored, but scaling this across millions of members is not easy. AI can help create relevant recommendations, but keeping these personalized offers fresh and accurate requires loads of dev work.

10 examples of best restaurant loyalty programs in 2025

1. MyMcDonald's Rewards

It’s no surprise that the world’s leading fast food chain also has a highly successful digital rewards program. McDonald’s Rewards has rapidly become one of the largest and most impactful loyalty programs, boasting over 150 million active users across its top 50 markets. In 2023, loyalty-driven revenue surpassed $20 billion, contributing to steady revenue and McDonald’s is projected to reach $45 billion in loyalty-driven sales by 2027.

How it works?

Diners earn reward points for every dollar spent, which can be earned across multiple channels, including the app, drive-thru, and in-store with a scannable code. New customers are welcomed with a points bonus on their first order, accelerating their path to their first reward. The program offers a tiered structure where points can be redeemed for free food rewards, ranging from small fries to Big Macs. To maintain engagement, McDonald’s regularly runs app-exclusive promotions, extra point events, and personalized perks like birthday treats.

What makes it work?

What sets McDonald’s program apart is its deep integration across all touchpoints – app, drive-thru, and in-store – ensuring convenience and consistency. The program combines instant gratification (like onboarding bonuses and low-point rewards) with long-term engagement (through tiered rewards and frequent bonus point events). It also offers exclusive app deals and personalized perks, such as birthday treats, to keep the experience customer-centric. This omnichannel, high-frequency, value-driven model is what makes it one of the best loyalty programs in the restaurant industry in 2025.

2. Starbucks Rewards

Here comes another staple – Starbucks Rewards. With over 30,000 stores across 80 countries, Starbucks has become as recognizable for its iconic green logo as it is for its Frappuccinos. But Starbucks doesn’t just rely on its premium coffee – Starbucks Rewards has become a major part of the brand’s success.

How it works?

Starbucks Rewards allows members to earn "Stars" for every dollar spent, with 2 Stars per dollar when using the app or a registered Starbucks card. Customers can also earn bonus Stars by completing actions like visiting Starbucks multiple times or purchasing specific items. The Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card lets members earn 1 Star per dollar spent, not just at Starbucks but also at other retailers, making it an easy way to rack up Stars on everyday purchases.

Starbucks Rewards offers tiered rewards, allowing members to redeem Stars for smaller perks like drink add-ons or free food, as well as larger items like merchandise. The program also features exclusive app deals, birthday treats, Bonus Star Days, and seasonal games to keep it engaging and fun for users.

What makes it work?

What makes Starbucks' rewards program unique is how easy it is to earn Stars, whether guests are using the app, a registered card, or even their special Rewards Visa® Card for everyday purchases, highlighting the importance of deep omnichannel integration. The program’s tiered rewards offers plenty of ways to treat yourself and earn more points, whether guests are saving up for something big or enjoying smaller perks along the way. Plus, with personalized offers, fun challenges, and special promotions, it keeps things exciting and keeps customers coming back.

3. Chipotle Rewards

Chipotle Mexican Grill, a favorite in fast-casual dining, kicked off its Chipotle Rewards program in 2019, and it quickly took off – attracting over 28 million members in just three years. Chipotle designed this program as a way to thank customers for their loyalty, all while staying true to its core promise of “real ingredients prepared fresh daily.” The loyalty program has significantly contributed to Chipotle's digital sales, surpassing 2 billion USD in a single year.

How it works?

Chipotle Rewards follows a straightforward earn-and-burn model with some creative gamification elements but without a tiered system. Members earn 10 points for every dollar spent across all ordering channels – whether in-store, through the Chipotle app, or online – making it easy for diners to rack up points however they choose to order.

Points can be redeemed through Chipotle's Rewards Exchange feature, which allows members to trade in points for free menu items, exclusive sustainable Chipotle swag, or even charitable donations. This flexibility sets Chipotle apart, giving members a range of options to redeem points.

Additionally, Chipotle adds an extra layer of engagement with exclusive perks and gamified challenges like birthday surprises, seasonal events, and gamified badges.

What makes it work?

As of 2025, Chipotle's Rewards program continues to be a standout in the fast-casual dining industry, engaging over 30 million members. The program's success is bolstered by its integration with the Chipotle app, offering targeted offers, personalized promotions, exclusive offers, and gamified challenges that keep customers engaged. Additionally, Chipotle has introduced sustainability-focused rewards, allowing members to contribute points towards environmental initiatives.

4. Taco Bell

When a craving for Taco Bell hits, fans know they’re in for more than just bold flavors. Since Taco Bell's Rewards program inception back in 2021, Taco Bell's Rewards program has evolved, increasing sales by 90% and sign-ups multiplying fivefold within the first year. ​

How it works?

Taco Bell Rewards is a tiered app-based loyalty program where members earn 10 points per $1 spent and redeem them for menu items. The two-tier system – Hot and Fire – unlocks perks like early product access and exclusive offers. With surprise challenges, birthday rewards, and the popular Taco Lover's Pass subscription, the program has boosted member spending by 35% and driven strong growth in sign-ups and renewals.

What makes it work?

What sets Taco Bell Rewards apart is its creative, gamified approach to loyalty – mixing fun with real value. From tier-based perks to bold experiments like the Taco Lover’s Pass, the brand keeps engagement high by rewarding frequency, offering exclusive content, and constantly surprising members.

5. Chick-fil-A One®

Chick-fil-A has become a beloved American fast-food staple, famous for its crave-worthy chicken sandwiches and unparalleled customer service. With over 3000 locations across the United States, this restaurant brand has built a loyal following by prioritizing quality and putting guests first.

How it works?

The Chick-fil-A One® loyalty program is a tiered system where members earn points for every dollar spent, starting at 10 points per dollar. As customers accumulate points, they move through four membership levels – Member, Silver, Red, and Signature – each unlocking increasing point multipliers and exclusive perks for frequent customers . Higher-tier members enjoy personalized benefits like birthday rewards, free desserts, and even experiences such as gifting rewards to family and friends or taking a backstage tour at Chick-fil-A's HQ.

What makes it work?

What makes Chick-fil-A One® stand out is how it blends generosity with personalization. The program offers progressive point multipliers as guests climb tiers, encouraging frequent visits without feeling transactional. One particularly unique feature is rewards pooling: higher-tier members can gift rewards to friends or family, turning individual loyalty into a shared experience. Combined with surprise treats, birthday perks, and even access to brand experiences like HQ tours, Chick-fil-A turns everyday visits into opportunities to build emotional loyalty, not just earn free food.

6. Pizza Hut Rewards

Pizza Hut, one of the most iconic pizza chains globally, has built its reputation on craveable classics and wide delivery reach, with thousands of locations across the U.S. and beyond. To keep pizza lovers coming back slice after slice, the brand launched Hut Rewards®, a digital-first rewards program designed with simplicity and instant gratification in mind.

How it works?

Hut Rewards® is a points-based program where members earn 2 points for every $1 spent online or in the app. Points can be redeemed for free menu items, from breadsticks and wings to pizzas of all sizes. Unlike some tiered programs, Hut Rewards keeps it simple, there are no levels or status thresholds, which lowers the barrier to entry and appeals to a broad audience of casual diners and families alike.

What makes it work?

What sets Hut Rewards® apart is its speed to reward. Members can earn a free pizza with as few as 200 points, keeping the incentive loop tight and motivating. The program also thrives on limited-time bonus point offers, such as double points on certain days or items, driving short-term spikes in engagement. With an easy-to-use mobile experience and a low-friction sign-up process, Hut Rewards removes loyalty fatigue and instead builds loyalty through convenience, consistency, and quick wins.

7. KFC Rewards

KFC, the home of the world-famous 11 herbs and spices, has long been a fast-food favorite with global appeal. Known for its crispy fried chicken and iconic red buckets, KFC is now spicing things up with a modern loyalty program built for today’s digital-first customers – KFC Rewards.

How it works?

The revamped KFC Rewards program has evolved from a traditional stamp-based system into a dynamic, point-based structure that prioritizes personalization and digital engagement. Customers earn 10 points for every dollar spent, with points automatically credited to their account when making orders via the KFC app or website. These points can be redeemed for a range of free food items from the regularly updated Secret Recipe Vault. To keep things exciting, the program includes gamified features like rotating challenges and arcade-style games in select regions, making it more engaging and motivating repeat visits.

What makes it work?

The program stands out for its blend of simplicity, personalization, and engagement. The program keeps things fresh by offering a rotating selection of rewards from the Secret Recipe Vault, ensuring there’s always something new to look forward to. Additionally, the inclusion of gamified elements like challenges and arcade-style games adds fun and excitement, motivating customers to visit more often.

8. DQ® Rewards

Dairy Queen, known for its iconic Blizzards and comfort food classics, has cultivated a loyal following across thousands of locations. To keep customers coming back for more, Dairy Queen launched its Rewards program, offering an engaging way to earn perks on favorite menu items. The Dairy Queen Rewards program has been recognized for its excellence in digital engagement. In 2023, the DQ® App was honored as one of America's Best Loyalty Programs by Newsweek for the third consecutive year.

How it works?

Dairy Queen’s Rewards program is a straightforward, point-based system where customers earn 10 points for every $1 spent. Points can be earned through orders placed in-store, through the drive-thru, or on the DQ mobile app. Once points are accumulated, members can redeem them for a variety of delicious treats, from small Blizzard options to full meal deals. The program also features bonus point opportunities and exclusive offers that help boost engagement.

What makes it work?

The key to Dairy Queen Rewards’ success lies in its simplicity and instant rewards. With no complicated tiers or lengthy earning thresholds, the program makes it easy for customers to start redeeming rewards quickly. The mobile app experience is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing members to easily track points and access exclusive promotions.

9. Krispy Kreme Rewards

Krispy Kreme, a beloved doughnut brand with a loyal following, is known for its irresistible Hot Now sign and melt-in-your-mouth treats. To keep fans coming back for more, Krispy Kreme has relaunched its loyalty program, calling it "the most generous rewards program in the history of doughnuts."

How it works?

The revamped program now allows customers to earn 10 points for every dollar spent, significantly reducing the wait time to earn a free item. Rewards are more customizable, with options ranging from a single doughnut to a dozen, and even coffee and hot chocolate. Krispy Kreme is also offering a free dozen doughnuts to new customers and is introducing perks like birthday rewards, exclusive limited-time offers, and double points during membership anniversaries. Current members will have their points automatically transferred to the new system.

What makes it work?

What makes Krispy Kreme Rewards stand out is its blend of personalization, convenience, and fun. The program offers personalized rewards based on customer preferences and purchase history, ensuring that members are treated to what they love most. Bonus point opportunities, limited-time offers, and even gamified challenges keep the experience exciting and engaging. The app's smooth interface and ease of use make it simple for members to earn points, while birthday and anniversary perks add a personal touch that builds a deeper connection with customers.

10. Subway MVP Rewards

Subway MVP Rewards is a relatively recent loyalty program that has quickly gained traction in the QSR space. Launched in 2023 to replace the previous MyWay™ Rewards program, Subway MVP Rewards is designed to offer a more personalized experience for diners. With over 32 million members, it is one of the largest restaurant loyalty programs globally.

How it works?

A major evolution from the former MyWay program is the introduction of tiered membership levels – Pro, Captain, and All-Star – based on the amount spent in a calendar year. This tier system rewards loyal customers who spend more, unlocking higher points, exclusive benefits, and more enticing rewards as they progress through the levels. For instance, Pro members get a free cookie on their birthday, while All-Star members are treated to a free 6-inch sub of their choice.

Another significant change is the switch from tokens to points and the introduction of Subway® Cash, making the program more intuitive and streamlined. Members are also automatically transferred from MyWay to MVP Rewards without the need to re-sign up, ensuring a smooth transition and continuing loyalty.

What makes it work?

Subway MVP Rewards stands out for its personalized experience and easy-to-navigate structure. The tiered membership system – Pro, Captain, and All-Star – rewards customers for higher spending with exclusive benefits like free items and birthday rewards. The program also simplifies loyalty with a points system and Subway® Cash, making it easy to earn and redeem rewards. With over 32 million members and automatic migration from the previous program, it’s a seamless and rewarding experience that encourages repeat visits and higher spending.

Ingredients to build the best restaurant loyalty program

• Simplify loyalty with a mobile app - mobile apps allow customers to automatically earn points through payments, with no extra steps or paperwork required. All successful loyalty programs mentioned above integrated loyalty workflows within their dedicated app – making it easy to earn and redeem points, track rewards, and access personalized deals to nurture brand loyalty.
• Make redemption effortless – redeeming rewards should be quick and seamless, often requiring just a scan or click to receive the prize, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• Launch exclusive offers for loyal members – loyalty programs incentivize existing customers with special deals only available through the app, increasing the perceived value of participation and driving repeat business.
• Communicate directly  with guests – app-based loyalty programs enable businesses to send push notifications and emails about promotions, offers, and new products, keeping repeat customers informed and engaged.
• Use zero-party data for personalization – collect customer-provided insights (zero-party data) like menu preferences or dietary restrictions to offer more tailored rewards and personalized offers, increasing satisfaction and fostering deeper customer satisfaction.
• Make gratification immediate – offering quick, accessible rewards (e.g., free drinks, discounts) keeps customers engaged by providing immediate value without long waiting periods.
• Offer exclusive perks to enhance customer engagement – provide exclusive rewards and VIP experiences, such as early access to new menu items or special discounts, is a tried and tested way to increase customer loyalty.
• Turn loyalty omnichannel – ensure a consistent customer experience by integrating loyalty benefits across digital and in-store touchpoints, improving retention across different customer interaction methods.
• Prioritize program promotion – promote your loyalty program actively through social media and word-of-mouth (e.g., referral programs) to increase awareness, drive sign-ups, and engage current customers to boost growth and loyalty.
• Choose the right loyalty platform – use a flexible loyalty platform like Voucherify to easily customize and manage your restaurant loyalty program, ensuring it aligns with brand goals, keeps customers happy, and maintains security standards.

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