12 Restaurant & C-Store Loyalty Platforms Worth Considering

One of the best ways to continually generate revenue is to keep customers coming back. Restaurant and c-store loyalty programs help you motivate your existing customers to keep returning while providing them with the great experience your brand is known for. 

If you’re considering implementing a restaurant or c-store loyalty program, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Loyalty platforms take much of the work out of loyalty programs, letting you create, personalize, and launch programs while you focus on what you do best: giving your customers an unforgettable experience. 

Not only that, Fortune Business Insights estimates that the loyalty software market will grow to over $24 billion by 2029. Let’s take the guesswork out of understanding the top loyalty platforms.

What Is a Loyalty Platform? Understanding the Basics 

Restaurant and c-store loyalty programs are run on loyalty platforms. These tech solutions should integrate with your restaurant or c-store management software.  

Loyalty program elements are specific benefits offered to customers as part of your loyalty program. The loyalty platform you choose must have these program elements: 

• Points: A points-based loyalty program allows customers to collect points with more purchases. This form of gamification gives customers a sense of accomplishment. Points can be exchanged for free products and other rewards. 
• Tiered rewards: Customers are placed into tiers based on their engagement or spending activity. Higher tiers have more rewards and give customers a goal to achieve.  
• Gamification: Who doesn’t love friendly competition? Gamification infuses a sense of fun and competition into your program. Give your customers challenges, badges, or other interactive activities based on their in-app activity to keep them engaged.  
• Coupons: Coupons provide immediate gratification, which is one of the longest-lasting tenets of retail and hospitality industry loyalty programs, and incentivize people to make future purchases. 
• Referrals: Your existing, engaged customers are extremely valuable. Encouraging them to refer friends and family to your rewards program expands your customer base without any effort on your part and rewards both original and new customers. 

Note that loyalty programs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The loyalty platform you choose should be able to customize each experience. Customers are bombarded with ads wherever they turn. In fact, it’s estimated that customers in the US see between 50 and 400 ads each day, and that number grows every year. 

While 400 ads per day sounds like a lot, most of these ads aren’t recognized by everyone. Because of this widespread advertising saturation, personalization is a must. Personalization captures your audience’s attention sooner and makes them feel like you understand their specific needs. 

Data analytics is essential, as well. Without the correct data, you won’t be able to personalize your program or know if it’s meeting your goals.  

The use cases differ between restaurants and c-stores. Restaurant customers have different dining needs (and expectations) than those who use a c-store. 

C-store customers visit storefronts for other purposes than eating, including restroom breaks, filling up their gas tanks, and looking for lifestyle amenities like sunglasses, hats, and car air fresheners. As such, you want to choose a loyalty platform that has features to fit various business models and multiple customer segments.  

Top 7 Loyalty Platforms for Restaurants 

Let’s dive into seven leading platforms for restaurants:  

1. Paytronix: Paytronix is the premier loyalty platform that empowers you to use your customers’ preferences and behavior to create personalized offers, tailored ordering experiences, and one-of-a-kind campaigns. There are also several ways for customers to sign up for your program: in-store via POS, in-app, SMS, and more. Our features include:  
   1. High-impact, scalable loyalty programs 
   2. Customer-centric, first-party online ordering  
   3. Frictionless payment solutions 
   4. CRM and marketing automation 
   5. 30+ POS integrations 
2. Toast: Toast is a restaurant management platform providing POS, online ordering, and marketing tools. Toast’s features include: 
   1. A point system that lets guests earn points  
   2. The ability to customize promotions for guests 
   3. Contactless ordering 
   4. POS 
   5. Payroll and marketing tools
3. Movylo: Movylo helps restaurants create automated loyalty programs. It uses a points system to provide rewards to customers. Movylo has the following features: 
   1. Customer list building 
   2. CRM 
   3. Loyalty promotions
4. Loyalty Gator: With Loyalty Gator, your customers earn points each time they visit your restaurant. Loyalty Gator lets you create cardless or card-based loyalty programs, and its features include:  
   1. Customizable loyalty programs 
   2. Gift card programs 
   3. Employee loyalty 
   4. Referral programs 
5. PosIQ: This loyalty platform for restaurants vendor offers users a vertically integrated technology solution that lets you use various guest tracking methods. Its features include:  
   1. Multiple ways to track guests, built into the system  
   2. Customizable loyalty programs 
   3. The ability to track ROI 
   4. The ability to analyze guest behavior based on their orders and place of purchase 
6. Glue Loyalty: Glue Loyalty provides loyalty programs through a fully automated system. Its features include: 
   1. Punch cards 
   2. Fully automated  
   3. Omnichannel capabilities 
   4. The ability to integrate several loyalty solutions into a single program
7. Zip Loyalty: Zip Loyalty is an app that collects, categorizes and analyzes customer data. It’s a standalone solution and it also integrates with PlumPOS. Its features include: 
   1. Analytics to help you create intuitive rewards programs based on past behavior 
   2. User-friendly interface 
   3. Push notifications for customers so they’re always up to date on their loyalty points

Always perform your own due diligence and double check that the loyalty platform you’re considering can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems. Look for helpful communication from staff, useful answers, and a consistent experience overall. What you experience before signing a contract is likely to indicate what you’ll experience after.

Top 5 Loyalty Platforms for Convenience Stores 

Let’s look at five of the top loyalty platforms for convenience stores:  

1. Paytronix: Our loyalty platform for convenience stores features a variety of loyalty rewards for your customers, gives you real-time data to analyze performance, segment, and create personalization, and easily integrates with your other c-store technology. 
2. PDI Technologies: PDI Technologies offers the ability to provide personalized loyalty experiences. It also features CRM and data tools. 
3. Loyal-n-Save: Loyal-n-Save features digital punch cards and marketing automation.  
4. Punchh: Punchh features a variety of ways to keep customers coming back. Its features include the ability to bank points, tiered rewards and benefit programs, and integrations. 
5. Loyalty Gator: Loyalty Gator gives you an edge with an affordable, customizable solution for your customers. It features a reloadable cash card, the ability to automatically send personalized emails for every purchase made, and a 30-day free trial.   

Innovative loyalty solutions for c-stores include: 

• Personalization: This can consist of offers you know your customers will appreciate based on your data and their behavior.  
• Online ordering: Online ordering is increasingly the standard for most restaurants, and it elevates the customer experience at your c-store, too. Consider what’s needed to provide online ordering to your customers before getting software installed and connected to other tools. 
• Delivery: You can order almost anything online and get it delivered straight to your house these days. Deliver an exceptional customer experience by providing first-party online ordering and delivery as soon as possible. Also partner with third-party delivery providers to round out your offerings so new audiences have the highest chance of discovering your business and choosing you over competitors. 
• Perks: Offer your customers perks for spending money with you. This can include earning a discount on gas or certain food orders. Use personalization to offer specific perks to customers you know primarily use your c-store for fuel. Offer them a discount on snacks or a drink to get them to come inside. Then, use that data to build out a sophisticated targeting program. 

Offering customers perks for shopping, getting their favorite snack, or fueling their cars seems like a no-brainer. However, the success of a loyalty program depends on whether your team understands how to use the data available, whether perks are personalized, and whether your program continually adapts to customers' needs and desires. 

Comparing Loyalty Platforms 

As you’ve seen, there are multiple options for loyalty platforms. How do you choose the right one for your store or restaurant? Consider these factors when making your decision: 

• Look at your customer base: You can’t launch a loyalty program (and choose a platform) without understanding your customer base first. Understand their demographics, their wants, needs, and behaviors. This knowledge can help you identify the platform features that will resonate with your audience. 
• Understand your goals: Define your business goals before choosing a loyalty platform. Is it more revenue, greater customer retention, higher loyalty program penetration, or all of the above? 
• Evaluate the platforms: Ask yourself these questions when looking at loyalty platforms for your convenience store or restaurant: 
• Flexibility: Can the platform adapt to your growing business? Can it evolve with your customers’ needs? 
• Integration: Can the platform integrate with your existing technology? Do you need more or different tech to achieve your dream operational and marketing outcomes? 
• Data and analytics: Does the platform provide data and analytics? Can you measure loyalty campaign performance and customer engagement?  
• Reporting and customization: Can you easily tailor your program based on its reporting and customization features? 
• User-friendliness: Is the platform easy to use? Does your team find it intuitive and an improvement to their daily workflow, rather than a hassle?

Further, you may find it useful to create a comprehensive list or spreadsheet to help you evaluate each platform. It’s also wise to evaluate each vendor’s: 

• Industry focus 
• Key clients 
• Case studies 

While the overall price and features play a role in whether you’ll choose a vendor, you’ll also want to consider any additional fees or pricing structures. Some vendors charge subscription or implementation fees. If you need custom development, that can increase your price as well.  

Additionally, consider your vendor of choice’s support. Using a loyalty platform goes beyond simply downloading or integrating technology. 

You’ll want a loyalty platform provider who not only provides tech support when you need it, but also provides strategic support to keep your loyalty program growing. Your unique business needs will dictate the specific loyalty software features you look for.  

Real-World Examples 

Any c-store that’s been in business for a few months knows the primary way to increase profit is moving people from the pump into the store. Pump-N-Pantry is one such c-store chain that specializes in fresh food and wanted to drive more customers inside when they stopped to fuel up their vehicles.  

Pump-N-Pantry used our full platform to create a points-based loyalty program with order ahead capabilities and an app. Their program rewards members with points for every purchase. 

This c-store saw a remarkable 6,000 members join after creating the new program. Pump-N-Pantry also offered online ordering and saw online orders jump 20%. 

Another example is Smashburger, which wanted new ways to motivate its guests. To do this, Smashburger used its data and Paytronix’s AI to create personalized one-to-one marketing campaigns. Using Paytronix’s AI to IA, Smashburger micro-segmented its customer list to create an effective, data-driven loyalty program, resulting in 6.5% of their annual sales growth. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the tactics they used:  

• Deployed small tests to increase visit frequency 
• Reengagement campaigns 
• Segmented members based on purchase behavior 
• Created a personalized guest experience that included: 
• A veggie burger promotion that targeted guests who typically don’t order beef 
• LTO that rewarded frequent purchasers of fries with a free order if they tried a new menu offering 
• Refined member benefits to double and triple points for Gold and Platinum members; preferred birthday rewards 
• Offer triple points for ordering online with order-and-delivery incentives

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant and C-Store Loyalty Programs 

What is the difference between a loyalty program and a customer data platform?  

A loyalty program focuses on rewarding customers for their purchases and engagement, encouraging repeat visits, and building brand loyalty. A customer data platform (CDP), on the other hand, collects and organizes customer data from various sources to provide insights that can personalize experiences and improve marketing strategies. While loyalty programs incentivize customer behavior, CDPs analyze that behavior to optimize engagement strategies. 

Do loyalty programs work for restaurants?  

Yes, loyalty programs are highly effective for restaurants. They encourage repeat visits by rewarding customers with points, discounts, or exclusive offers. Additionally, they allow restaurants to collect data on customer preferences and purchasing habits, which can be used to create personalized marketing campaigns and improve the customer experience. For instance, Smashburger used its loyalty program to achieve a 6.5% annual sales growth. 

What is the largest loyalty program?  

In the restaurant sector, Starbucks Rewards is one of the largest loyalty programs, boasting over 31 million active members as of 2023. The brand’s program offers personalized perks, such as free drinks, exclusive promotions, and priority access to new menu items, driving strong customer engagement and repeat business. 

In the convenience store industry, 7Rewards by 7-Eleven stands out, serving millions of customers globally. The program provides points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for free items and discounts, along with exclusive offers tailored to customer preferences. Both programs effectively combine convenience with rewards to maintain a loyal customer base. 

What is the success rate of loyalty programs?  

The success rate of loyalty programs varies based on execution, but thoughtfully designed loyalty programs deliver significant results. For instance, Pump-N-Pantry achieved a 20% increase in online orders after introducing a points-based loyalty program with order-ahead capabilities.  

Key factors for success include: 

• Personalization: Tailored rewards and offers resonate with customers. 
• Ease of use: Intuitive platforms encourage higher participation. 
• Value alignment: Rewards that match customer desires, like discounts or exclusive perks, ensure satisfaction. 

By focusing on these elements, loyalty programs can improve retention, boost customer engagement, and significantly impact revenue. 

What is the best example of a loyalty program?  

Chipotle Rewards is a standout example of a good loyalty program in the restaurant industry. The company’s program combines points-based rewards with gamification, allowing customers to earn points for every dollar spent. Members can redeem points for menu items or donate them to charity, improving engagement. Chipotle also uses personalization, sending tailored promotions and reminders based on order history, leading to strong member loyalty. 

In the c-store sector, Casey’s Rewards shines. This program rewards customers with points for purchases, redeemable for discounts on fuel, free food, or charitable donations. Casey’s uses advanced customer segmentation to personalize rewards and offers, boosting retention and customer satisfaction. 

Both programs demonstrate the power of blending convenience, personalization, and meaningful rewards to cultivate long-term loyalty and drive consistent revenue. 

What is a digital loyalty platform? 

A digital loyalty platform is a technology solution that allows businesses to create, manage, and analyze customer loyalty programs in a fully digital environment. It replaces traditional methods, like punch cards, with a streamlined system that integrates seamlessly with mobile apps, websites, and point-of-sale (POS) systems. 

These platforms enable businesses to: 

• Offer customized rewards (e.g., points, tiered perks, and discounts). 
• Gather and analyze customer data to personalize offers and improve engagement. 
• Facilitate omnichannel experiences, allowing customers to earn and redeem rewards across in-store, online, and mobile transactions. 

By leveraging automation, analytics, and integration with existing tools, digital loyalty platforms help businesses build stronger customer relationships, increase retention, and boost revenue efficiently. 

The Bottom Line

Investing in a good loyalty platform is crucial for the growth of your store or restaurant. A good loyalty program delivers the brand experience customers already appreciate you for and increases your revenue and return on investment (ROI).  

Ready to learn how the right loyalty platform can boost your business? Book a demo now.