In today’s hyper-competitive dining scene—especially in cities like Las Vegas—customer retention is just as important as customer acquisition. One of the most effective tools for building long-term loyalty is a well-marketed rewards program. But simply having a program in place isn’t enough. You need to know how to market it strategically to ensure customers engage, return, and become loyal fans.

This blog will guide you through the fundamentals of restaurant loyalty program marketing, explore different types of programs, and highlight actionable promotion strategies designed to maximize customer retention and boost your bottom line.

Why Loyalty Programs Matter for Restaurants

In a world of endless dining options, loyalty programs help restaurants stand out and give customers a compelling reason to return. But beyond the surface-level perks, these programs offer deeper value for restaurant owners:

1. Encourage Repeat Visits

Loyalty programs create habitual behavior. When guests know they’re earning points or perks with every visit, they’re more likely to choose your restaurant over competitors.

2. Increase Average Ticket Size

Customers enrolled in loyalty programs often spend more. According to a study by Accenture, 57% of consumers spend more on brands to which they are loyal. By offering incentives for larger orders (e.g., “Get double points on orders over $50”), you can increase your average check size.

3. Collect Valuable Customer Data

A digital restaurant rewards program strategy enables data collection, allowing you to analyze behavior, segment your audience, and personalize offers. Knowing what your customers like—and when they order—helps you market smarter.

4. Boost Word-of-Mouth Referrals

When guests enjoy a program and receive rewards, they’re more likely to tell friends. With the right referral incentives, your loyalty program can become a built-in marketing engine.

In short, loyalty programs are more than just a marketing add-on—they’re a vital component of a restaurant’s long-term customer retention strategy.

Types of Loyalty Programs for Restaurants

Choosing the right format for your loyalty program is just as important as marketing it. Here are some of the best restaurant loyalty programs models commonly used in the food and beverage industry:

1. Points-Based Programs

This is the most common model. Customers earn points for every dollar spent and redeem them for rewards like free items or discounts. It’s flexible, easy to understand, and scalable for both small cafés and large dining chains.

Example: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Get a free appetizer after earning 100 points.

2. Tiered Loyalty Programs

A tiered system adds status and exclusivity. Customers advance through levels (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum) and unlock better rewards as they spend more.

Example: Gold members receive 10% off every meal, Platinum members get priority reservations.

3. Visit-Based Rewards

Instead of tracking dollars, this model rewards customers based on the number of visits. It works well for coffee shops or casual dining where the average order value may be lower, but frequency is high.

Example: Get a free coffee after 7 visits.

4. Item-Based or Menu-Specific Rewards

This approach incentivizes customers to purchase specific high-margin or new items in exchange for loyalty perks.

Example: Buy 5 signature cocktails, get the 6th one free.

5. Subscription or Paid Memberships

Some restaurants opt for a paid loyalty model where customers subscribe to access exclusive perks. This model not only increases loyalty but provides upfront revenue.

Example: $10/month for free delivery and 15% off every order.

The model you choose should align with your brand identity, target customer behavior, and revenue goals.

How to Promote Your Loyalty Program

Creating a loyalty program is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in consistently promoting it in ways that encourage sign-ups, engagement, and redemptions. Here’s how to master restaurant loyalty program marketing:

1. Promote In-Store and On Menus

Train your front-of-house staff to mention the loyalty program during checkout or while handing out menus. Include calls-to-action on printed materials, table tents, receipts, and digital kiosks.

Pro tip: Use phrases like “Join our rewards program and get 10% off today!” to incentivize immediate sign-ups.

2. Leverage Your Social Media Channels

Make your loyalty program a recurring theme in your social media strategy. Create posts that highlight customer rewards, milestones, or tier achievements. Short-form videos on platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels can show how easy it is to earn and redeem rewards. 

3. Utilize Email Marketing

Segment your email list between members and non-members. Send exclusive offers to loyalty members, and for non-members, highlight what they’re missing. Promote the ease of signing up and the first reward they’ll earn.

4. Offer a Sign-Up Bonus

Instant gratification is powerful. Offer an immediate reward—like a free drink or dessert—just for joining the program. It lowers the barrier to entry and gives customers a taste of what they’ll continue to earn.

5. Incorporate QR Codes

Make enrollment seamless by placing QR codes on tables, menus, and takeout packaging that lead directly to your sign-up page.

6. Train Your Staff

Your staff should act as your program ambassadors. Train them to explain the benefits of the program clearly and naturally, and reward team members for high sign-up rates.

Using Digital Rewards and Mobile Apps

In a mobile-first world, digital solutions aren’t optional—they’re expected. If you’re serious about your restaurant loyalty program marketing, investing in mobile-first tools and technology is key.

1. Build or Partner with a Mobile App

Having your own app—or partnering with a loyalty platform like Toast, Thanx, or Punchh—allows for easy tracking, push notifications, and a better overall customer experience. Customers can see their progress, redeem rewards, and receive exclusive digital offers.

2. Push Notifications and Geotargeting

Use location-based messaging to remind customers about their loyalty rewards when they’re nearby. Push notifications like “You’re 10 points away from a free dessert!” can bring customers in the door.

3. Integrate with Online Ordering

Ensure your online ordering system connects with your loyalty program. When customers place an order, their points should automatically be added. You can also use ordering data to suggest upsells or reward options.

4. Gamify the Experience

Gamification makes loyalty fun and interactive. Consider badges, bonus challenges, and personalized milestones to make customers feel rewarded beyond just points.

Example: “Complete 3 visits this week and get double points on Friday!”

5. Track and Optimize Your Strategy

Use your program data to measure KPIs like sign-up rate, redemption frequency, and lifetime customer value. Identify drop-off points in the user journey and adjust promotions accordingly.

Bringing It All Together

A great loyalty program is about more than just offering discounts—it’s about creating a meaningful, long-term relationship with your customers. When well-executed, your restaurant rewards program strategy becomes a core part of your marketing engine, driving retention, referrals, and revenue.

To summarize, here’s how to build and promote a successful loyalty program:

• Choose the right structure for your audience (points-based, tiered, visit-based, etc.)
  
• Use every available channel to promote it—from in-store signage to TikTok content
  
• Offer digital-first experiences via mobile apps and integrated online ordering
  
• Train your team to champion the program daily
  
• Use data to fine-tune your strategy and deliver personalized value
  

And remember: loyalty is earned. Make the program easy, rewarding, and memorable, and your customers will keep coming back for more.

Why Choose Strattz for Restaurant Marketing in Las Vegas?

When it comes to helping restaurants stand out and thrive, Strattz is the marketing agency you can trust. Here’s why:

Expertise

At Strattz, we specialize in restaurant marketing, staying ahead of industry trends to create strategies that attract diners and keep them coming back. From increasing foot traffic to building brand loyalty, we know what it takes to succeed in Las Vegas’ competitive food scene.

Customized Solutions

We don’t do cookie-cutter strategies. Strattz works closely with you to create marketing plans tailored to your restaurant’s unique needs, ensuring your story and dishes connect with the right audience and drive results.

Measurable Results

Our data-driven approach means you’ll always know what’s working. We provide clear analytics to track your success—whether it’s filling tables, creating buzz, or turning first-time visitors into regulars.

Partner with Strattz to elevate your restaurant’s marketing, attract loyal customers, and grow your business. Let us help you take the Las Vegas dining scene by storm.