Last updated: January 12, 2026 – This article is designed to help restaurant and QSR owners make informed decisions about loyalty programs with the latest 2025–2026 industry insights.
While the exact origins of loyalty programs are debated, the concept itself dates back to the 18th century. Today, loyalty programs are a fundamental tool in restaurant marketing, designed to drive repeat visits and increase customer lifetime value.
In some corners of the business world, however, loyalty programs are dismissed as short-term gimmicks — with critics claiming that customers simply chase discounts, not brands. But modern data says otherwise. Loyalty programs are proving to be one of the most cost-effective ways to retain high-value guests and boost restaurant performance.
Are Restaurant Loyalty Programs Effective?
It’s widely accepted that retaining a customer is more cost-effective than acquiring a new one. A Gartner study shows that 80% of future sales come from current customers. This reinforces why loyalty programs are no longer optional — they’re essential.
Recent industry data shows that 57% of restaurants now operate loyalty programs, with usage expected to grow to 80% by the end of 2025. This includes 71% of quick-service restaurants and 68% of full-service brands. (Restroworks)
According to Paytronix, restaurants with integrated online ordering and loyalty programs see up to an 18% increase in order frequency. Some QSR brands report that 50% or more of their total orders now come from loyalty members, even during traffic downturns. (Paytronix)
Loyal Customers Spend More — and Refer More
Loyal customers don’t just return more often — they spend more too. Studies show they spend 67% more on average than new customers. Regular diners know your menu and order confidently, while new guests tend to spend less initially.
During the pandemic, loyalty programs proved especially valuable. Restaurants saw higher order volume among loyalty members, along with better insights into shifting customer behavior. Loyalty helped fill the gap left by reduced in-person engagement.
Today, those same programs still provide a critical channel for restaurants — offering tools for direct messaging, menu promotions, and push notifications. They also help create “brand advocates” who refer others. And word-of-mouth remains powerful: 92% of customers trust recommendations from friends and family over traditional marketing.
Loyalty Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
With 90% of companies now offering loyalty programs, the question is no longer “should we offer one?” — but rather “what kind is right for our business?”
Loyalty can look different across brands. A pizzeria might benefit from a simple “visit-based” punch card, while a fast casual chain might run a mobile app with points, tiers, and rewards. Regardless of format, the goal remains the same: to deepen brand engagement, encourage repeat purchases, and drive long-term profitability.
In fact, well-designed loyalty programs can boost revenue by 15–25% and increase average check size by 9%. Members also visit restaurants ~22% more often than non-members. (Restolabs)
What’s Next for Loyalty in 2026
The future of loyalty is about more than just discounts. In 2026, guests expect omnichannel consistency — rewards that follow them from the mobile app to the counter, and from dine-in to online orders. They want personalization, real-time perks, and seamless access across all platforms. (DoorDash Merchant Blog)
Restaurants that adapt now — with flexible, data-driven loyalty systems — are well-positioned to outperform their competitors in the year ahead.
Ready to Launch or Upgrade Your Loyalty Program?
Loyalty programs are no longer “nice to have” — they’re a revenue driver. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to optimize what you already have, we can help.
Contact us today to explore a flexible loyalty system built for restaurants, with integrated tools for marketing, personalization, and customer data you can act on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Loyalty Programs
Yes. Loyalty programs can increase order frequency by 18%, boost average check size by up to 9%, and raise overall revenue by 15–25%.
Q: What kind of loyalty program works best for pizzerias?
Visit-based rewards (e.g. “Buy 5, Get 1 Free”) or simple app-based points systems often work well for pizzerias that want to keep things fast and simple for customers.
Q: How do I track results from my loyalty program?
Modern POS systems like FoodTec’s track order frequency, redemption rates, and customer lifetime value — so you can optimize over time.
Q: How many customers use restaurant loyalty programs today?
More than 70% of QSR guests and over half of restaurant customers participate in loyalty programs, especially when mobile ordering is involved.
Q: Is it difficult to launch a loyalty program?
No — not with the right tech. Our POS loyalty module is built to be easy to set up, maintain, and scale across locatio