Last updated: January 12, 2026
This article is written for restaurant and pizzeria owners looking to boost revenue using gift card programs — especially during economic uncertainty and inflation.
Gift cards have always been a valuable source of revenue for restaurants. But with the current inflation trend, gift cards have become even more valuable. Not only are they an easy way to keep money and customers coming in, but they represent immediate revenue and future business – all of which can help restaurants compete more effectively in uncertain times.
How your restaurant can counter inflation with a gift card program
Gift cards have consistently ranked as the most popular holiday gift in the United States. The U.S. gift card market was valued at over $200 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $250 billion by 2026. Digital gift cards currently make up over 15% of the market and are growing at twice the rate of physical cards.
The restaurant industry is one of the largest platforms that can benefit from a well-run gift card program – and a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association validates consumers’ desires to have and use gift cards. Despite the pandemic and ongoing economic concerns, 42% of consumers planned to give a restaurant gift card during the holidays, and 62% said they’d like to receive one as a gift. Of that group, 63% indicated they’d prefer a card to their favorite restaurant.
All in all, this is great news for business owners — gift cards provide significant benefits at a time when they are most needed, such as:
- Immediate revenue lift and promise of future business: One of the biggest and most obvious advantages of selling restaurant gift cards is immediate revenue. The gift card purchaser buys the card upfront. When a customer purchases a gift card from your restaurant, they essentially pre-pay for a future visit — and when cash flow is tight, this is exactly the kind of predictable income that helps. Especially around the holidays, when resources are tied up in stock, staffing, marketing, and logistics, this added liquidity is invaluable.
- Higher revenue and increased sales: Most customers who pay with a gift card spend more than the value of the card — up to 80% more. A First Data study revealed the average redemption exceeds the card value by $59. This overspending is especially common at dining and fast-casual restaurants. Even when just a few dollars remain, customers often return and spend well beyond the balance.
- Increased loyalty and new business: Gift cards are a powerful, cost-effective tool for customer loyalty and brand awareness. They bring past customers back and introduce new diners to your restaurant. Many people use gift cards to share their favorite spots with friends and family. In fact, 44% of consumers say gift cards encourage them to try new restaurants they wouldn’t have otherwise visited.
- Repeatable success: Once your gift card program is set up and integrated, it requires minimal upkeep and can generate revenue year-round. While 80% of annual gift card sales may occur in November and December, gift cards are purchased for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other occasions throughout the year. Smart restaurants promote gift cards consistently, not just during the holidays, using email, signage, and even AI-generated content to keep momentum going.
Gift Cards: A low-cost marketing tool that can help any size restaurant
Gift cards are a go-to for consumers. They take the stress out of last-minute holiday shopping and offer an alternative to gifting cash. They’re extremely convenient to purchase and redeem — and they benefit restaurant owners as well. Easy to implement and affordable to maintain, gift cards are a low-cost marketing tool that can boost revenue, increase order value, and improve customer loyalty.
If you currently do not have a gift card program in place, there’s no better time than now to start. It might be part of what gets your restaurant through a difficult season. If the holidays are approaching and physical gift cards are not feasible, don’t worry — your POS system likely supports digital gift cards. With FoodTec Solutions, for example, providing e-gift cards and facilitating transactions is easy to set up and only takes minutes.
🎯 Ready to Grow Your Restaurant’s Revenue?
Offering gift cards is one of the simplest, smartest ways to increase cash flow, build customer loyalty, and drive new business — especially during economic uncertainty. Whether you run a pizzeria, café, or full-service restaurant, digital and physical gift cards can be a game-changer.
Contact us today to get started with a custom restaurant gift card program — and give your business a lasting revenue boost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Gift Cards
Yes. Restaurant gift cards remain one of the top-requested gifts, especially during holidays and major events. Digital gift cards in particular are growing fast.
Q: How can pizzerias benefit from offering gift cards?
Gift cards generate upfront revenue, bring in new customers, and encourage repeat visits. They’re especially valuable in competitive local markets.
Q: How does inflation affect gift card usage?
During inflation, gift cards help restaurants secure immediate cash flow while giving customers a prepaid way to support their favorite local spots.
Q: Can AI tools like ChatGPT help promote gift cards?
Yes. Tools like ChatGPT can help write email campaigns, create social media content, and automate seasonal gift card promotions for restaurants.
Q: When should restaurants promote gift cards?
Gift cards should be promoted year-round — not just during the holidays. Events like birthdays, Mother’s Day, and graduations are excellent opportunities.