Technomic examines restaurant loyalty marketing

In the midst of a soft economy and an industry with heightened brand competition, loyalty marketing, or the way in which restaurant operators market to the most faithful customers, has achieved a new level of importance. Loyalty marketing and rewards programs vary in terms of their size and scope, but they all share one goal: to recognize unwavering customers and keep them coming back.

Only about one third of consumers (36 per cent) say they participate in a restaurant-based loyalty program. However, 80 per cent agree they would sign up if the restaurant they visit most often offered a program. This indicates opportunities for more restaurants to offer loyalty programs—or to simply build awareness of existing programs and related benefits. And by providing incentives for frequent use, loyalty programs can also be an excellent way to turn light users into “regulars.”

“We’ve come a long way since the 10th-meal-is-free punch cards,” says Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President. “Consumers are now receiving rewards via email, apps, social media and on their smartphones. As mobile marketing continues to evolve, so will loyalty marketing. Its direction may be unclear, but the need to recognize and thank loyal customers will always be there.”

Using industry and chain data, Technomic has issued a new Market Intelligence Report that defines loyalty marketing, identifies current leaders, analyzes performance and identifies trends. Noteworthy findings include :

• 58 per cent of loyalty-club members say they are likely to base their where-to-dine decision on whether they have a membership at that brand.