Customer loyalty: 3 effective strategies for your restaurant
20 January 2025
Who hasn't found a loyalty card forgotten at the bottom of a drawer, or uninstalled an app deemed useless? So have your customers.
A loyalty program that doesn't deliver clear, visible benefits, it's a program that's been consigned to oblivion.
Loyalty today isn't just about handing out points at random. Customers want concrete benefits, quickly and in line with their expectations.
And for you, the restaurateur, it's a unique opportunity to strengthen their attachment to your company... provided you play your cards right.
In this article, discover 3 effective ways to reward your customers: points, cashback, promotions... Simple, motivating solutions designed for boost loyalty while adapting to your needs.
The loyalty card: the sinews of the loyalty war
So far, so new. However, let's be honest, there's "loyalty card" and... "loyalty card".
What's the difference? You'll make it.
By now, your customers have seen it all: paper cards, digital cards, stamps, kitty cards... They've seen dozens of them. And yet many of them end up on the shelf. But why? Because customers don't see the real benefit.
A loyalty program that doesn't quickly show its advantage, it's the best way to lose your customer.
We've all experienced that moment when we religiously hand over our card at each checkout, without ever seeing the shadow of a reward. 6 months, 1 year, 5 years go by... Nothing. After a few months, you end up wondering why you're still holding it out.
And that's exactly where it's at: in the tangible, immediate value you offer your customers.
Your mission: to give real value to each passage. It's not just about making a loyalty card, but rewarding intelligently.
Ways to reward your customers
A good loyalty program is like a promise: if you keep it, your customers will come back. Your customers need to feel they're gaining something with every visit, not three years from now. If they don't? They pick up.
That's where good ideas come in. Points pools, cashback, promotions, gifts: these are just some of the ways you can reward your regulars while strengthening their attachment to your establishment.
The trick? Find out what works for you and your concept. You don't have to do it all, just do it well. Here's how.
The points pool
How does it work?
The points kitty is a classic loyalty program. With each purchase, your customers earn points based on the amount spent. Once a threshold has been reached, these points can be exchanged for rewards: discounts, free products or other benefits.
Why does it work?
✔ Easy to understand: the customer knows exactly where he stands and what he can get.
✔ Motivating : each passage becomes a step towards a reward.
✔ Flexible : you can adjust the points scale or gifts according to your margins and needs.
For which types of plant?
The points kitty is ideal for restaurants with a regular clientele.
Perfect for :
➜ Fast-food outlets or to take away.
➜ The chains establishments who want to standardize their loyalty programs.
➜ Restaurants with stable average shopping basketswhere customers often spend similar amounts.
Examples of gifts to give with points
➜ Fast Foods: A free menu, a free drink or an exclusive dessert.
➜ Coffee shops : A personalized drink, mug or pastry.
➜ High-end establishments : A discount on a bottle of wine, a signature dish or an invitation to a private tasting.
"Remember to clearly display the tiers so your customers know exactly where they stand and what they can earn. There's nothing more motivating than seeing that you're just a few points short of a gift!"Our expert advice
Cashback
How does it work?
Cashback means immediate reward: with each purchase, part of the amount spent is credited as virtual money to the customer's loyalty account. This credit can then be used to pay for all or part of a future purchase.
Why does it work?
✔ Transparent : customers see directly how much they get back with each transaction.
✔ Attractive: the reward is tangible and can be used quickly, without waiting to reach complex levels.
✔ Easy to manage: the system integrates well with most cash register software.
For which types of plant?
Cashback is suitable for restaurants where the average bill is fairly high or where customers return regularly.
Perfect for :
➜ Brasseries and bistros with loyal customers.
➜ Restaurants that want to encourage customers to spend a little more.
➜ Food courts or multi-brand conceptswhere cashback is valid on several stands.
Examples of cashback rewards
➜ Traditional catering : A credit equivalent to 5 % or 10 % of the amount spent, usable on a future bill.
➜ Cafés : 1 € credited for every 10 € spent, perfect for the next latte or croissant.
➜ High-end catering : 10 € credited towards a future bottle of wine or signature dish.
"Highlight the amount saved on each ticket or in the loyalty app. Customers love to see their savings increase after each visit! "Our expert advice
Promotions
How does it work?
Loyalty promotions are those little touches that make customers want to come back, even when they haven't yet filled their kitty. Whether one-off or regular, these offers can be adapted to the season, special events, or even the mood of the day.
They can take different forms:
➜ Immediate discounts (for example, -10 % on the ticket for members).
➜ Exclusive offers for a limited period.
➜ Personalized benefits, like a free drink on their birthday.
Why does it work?
✔ Spontaneity: There's no need to wait for points to be accumulated: customers feel rewarded immediately.
✔ Commitment : a well-targeted promotion, and give you a reason to come back right away.
✔ Flexibility : you can adjust promotions according to seasonality, stock levels or sales targets.
For which types of plant?
Loyalty promotions are suitable for all types of restaurants, but are particularly effective for :
➜ Seasonal restaurants who want to energize certain periods.
➜ High-volume plantsThese include chain stores and food courts, where one-off offers are targeted at a wide audience.
➜ Restaurants with an evolving menu (daily or seasonal menus), where promotions vary regularly.
Examples of promotional offers
➜ Specific periods : 10 % discount on hot dishes in winter, or a free drink in warmer weather.
➜ Special events : a free dessert for Mother's Day, or a promotion on formulas for an important match.
➜ Customized offers : A discount on the customer's favorite dish (yes, your software can do this).
"Communicate your promos via direct channels like push notifications or SMS. It's fast, personalized, and creates a sense of exclusivity for your customers."Our expert advice
Ready to build customer loyalty?
A good loyalty program means a real strategy for creating a lasting bond with your customers.
Every establishment is unique, and so must be your loyalty solution.
Want to find the approach that's right for you? Contact our team.
Together, we'll define the ideal solution to win over your customers and boost your growth.
Need some inspiration?
Discover our additional articles on customer loyalty. Tips and inspiring examples : everything you need to make your loyalty program a success!
➜ Restaurants: how to create an attractive loyalty program?
➜ Creating a post-purchase bond: the keys to customer loyalty in the foodservice industry
➜ 7 advantages of digital loyalty cards in the restaurant business
