2/18/22

Loyalty programs and rewards programs have been around for a while.  But mainly, up until just recently, they were really only available in the retail sector.  Now, rewards programs exist at nearly every major fast food and quick service restaurant in the country.

I’ve put together a short, mixed list of fast food and quick service restaurants so that I can give you an idea of what kinds of things are offered.

There are certain things that all five of these restaurants have in common.  They all suggest that you download and use an app.  They all give you points for every dollar that you spend.  And all of their apps allow you to order ahead to skip lines and to pick up.  Where they differ is in the number of points awarded per dollar and rewards / perks given.

My McDonald’s

100pts/$1 spent

  • Reward after first purchase
  • More points, bigger rewards
  • Bonus offers
  • Grow points for up to 6 months
  • Fun Fact: In the 6mo’s of its existence, MyMcDonald’s Rewards has 21 million active members.

Dunkin’ DD Perks

5pts/$1 spent

  • Free beverage every 200 points
  • Exclusive bonus point offers
  • Free medium hot or cold coffee when you sign up
  • Fun fact: Dunkin’ will send Perks members a year in review email that highlights all purchases, what time you’re most often there, what day, etc.

Chick-fil-A One

Tiered membership, definitely the most comprehensive reward program.

Members get 10pts/$1 spent

  • Receive rewards from your local Chick-fil-A, just because
  • Receive a birthday reward, valid for 30 days
  • Participate in bonus points challenges
  • First to know about new menu items and insider content

Silver gets 11pts/$1

  • Member benefits, plus:
  • You can use your points to give rewards to your family and friends.

Red gets 12pts/$1

  • Member and Silver benefits, plus:
  • Unlock rewards exclusive to Red members

Signature gets 13pts/$1

  • All benefits of previous tiers, plus:
  • Unlock rewards exclusive to Signature members
  • Access to unique experiences
  • Participate in input and voting opportunities
  • Fun Fact: (Ok, more like a truth.) Lines form around the block whenever a Chick-fil-A comes to town. People love their chikin.

Taco Bell Rewards

10pts/$1 spent

  • Reward every 250 points
  • Bigger rewards, the more points you earn
  • Exclusive member offers
  • Bonus points challenges to earn points faster
  • Fun fact: Members get a birthday gift consisting of a free Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze

Chipotle

10pts/$1 spent

  • Free chips and guacamole after first purchase as a member
  • Birthday recognition
  • Chances to earn extra points and collect achievement badges
  • Early access to new items and merch
  • First access to insider information
  • Rewards exchange for free food and merch.
  • Fun Fact: Chipotle rewards members can use their points for charitable giving. If that isn’t cause for endearment for a company, I don’t know what is.

So, there they are. It’s so cool that rewards programs have made their way into the food industry. We use these companies so often, already loyal to the brand for the brand’s sake, but now, that brand has chosen to reward us. In the end, this whole thing may benefit the customer more than the businesses. Cheers!