The Best Loyalty Programs in Restaurants and Convenience Stores

More than 70% of consumers say loyalty programs influence what they buy. That’s a number too big to ignore. 

In this article, we’ll look at how the best loyalty programs in restaurants, convenience stores, and retail are built to keep guests coming back. You’ll see what works and why it works, so you can build smarter strategies that make a measurable impact.

WHAT DEFINES THE BEST LOYALTY PROGRAMS? 

A loyalty program might look good on paper, but that doesn’t mean it works. The best ones do more than offer discounts. They drive action, build habits, and keep guests engaged over time. 

KEY CRITERIA FOR SELECTION 

What sets these loyalty programs apart? They combine strong adoption with clear business value. Here’s what that looks like in practice: 

• Numerous sign-ups and consistent member activity. 
• Personal touches and real-time offers that feel relevant. 
• Easy access across app, email, in-store, and online. 
• Clear impact on spend, visit frequency, and customer lifetime value. 

You’ll see how top brands bring these elements to life in the examples that follow. 

B2C LOYALTY PROGRAMS VS. B2B 

Loyalty looks different when you're talking to everyday consumers. Restaurants, convenience stores, and retail brands need to move fast and meet guests where they are, including on mobile, in-store, and online. 

Expectations are higher, and patience is lower. That means fewer steps, faster rewards, and zero friction. Real-time perks and easy experiences aren’t nice-to-haves anymore. They're the baseline for loyalty that actually sticks. 

4 BEST RESTAURANT LOYALTY PROGRAMS 

The most effective restaurant programs make loyalty feel easy, personal, and worth it. Let’s look at a few brands that know how to do it. 

EXAMPLES WORTH STUDYING 

These four restaurant loyalty programs stand out for their innovative approaches to customer engagement: 

1. Chick-fil-A One: This tiered membership program offers escalating benefits as customers progress through Member, Silver, Red, and Signature levels. Members earn points with every qualifying purchase, which can be redeemed for rewards. Higher membership tiers unlock extra perks like giftable rewards and exclusive experiences. 
2. Panera Unlimited Sip Club: Panera's subscription-based model allows members to enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, and fountain beverages for a monthly fee. This approach encourages daily visits and integrates seamlessly with the MyPanera rewards program, enhancing customer loyalty through consistent engagement. 
3. Dutch Bros Rewards: Dutch Bros' app-based program awards points for every dollar spent. These can then be redeemed for free drinks. The program also features bonus point days and exclusive challenges, creating a dynamic and interactive customer experience. 
4. Chipotle Rewards: Chipotle's customer loyalty program uses gamified features like personalized challenges and achievement badges to keep users engaged. These interactive elements encourage repeat purchases and make the app experience more fun and rewarding for loyal customers. 

WHY THESE WORK 

Each of these restaurant programs nails the fundamentals. 

They’re built for mobile, making it easy for guests to earn and redeem rewards anytime. The perks are simple, fast, and clearly tied to purchases, with no hoops to jump through. And because loyalty is tied directly to the ordering experience, it feels seamless. 

That connection makes rewards part of the routine, not an afterthought. 

4 BEST GAS STATION LOYALTY PROGRAMS 

Fuel loyalty programs are evolving to meet the needs of today's on-the-go consumers. Let’s review some brands that are leading the way. 

EXAMPLES THAT DRIVE REAL RESULTS 

These programs boost repeat visits and customer spend through easy-to-use apps, layered rewards, and personalized offers: 

1. Circle K Inner Circle: Members save 3¢ per gallon daily, with extra discounts through Easy Pay. After spending $500 on fuel or in-store, members are upgraded to Premium status, unlocking 5¢ per gallon savings and exclusive in-store perks. 
2. Speedway Speedy Rewards: This points-based gas rewards program awards 10 points per gallon of fuel and 20 points per dollar spent on merchandise. Points can be redeemed for discounts, free items, or sweepstakes. Monthly Perks let members choose personalized rewards. 
3. Shell Fuel Rewards: Members earn cents-per-gallon savings through everyday purchases at partner restaurants, retailers, and online. Savings are stackable, and Gold or Platinum status unlocks more discounts. The program integrates seamlessly with the Shell app for easy tracking. 
4. ExxonMobil Rewards+: Members earn 3 points per gallon of fuel and 2 points per dollar spent on store items and car washes. Every 100 points equals $1 in savings, redeemable at the pump or in-store. Bonus points and birthday rewards are also available. 

WHY FUEL + STORE INTEGRATION WINS 

Fuel stops are routine, but smart loyalty programs turn them into retail opportunities. When loyalty connects fuel savings with in-store perks, customers spend more across both. Mobile apps make that possible by turning everyday behavior into targeted engagement, such as:

• Gamified rewards for repeat visits. 
• Location-based push notifications when customers are nearby. 
• Offers that link snacks, drinks, and fuel. 

It’s a win for convenience and for revenue. 

THE BEST LOYALTY CARD PROGRAMS 

Loyalty cards aren’t just plastic anymore. They’re digital, data-driven, and built for ease. The best ones feel like wallets but work harder behind the scenes. 

RELOADABLE, SCANNABLE, AND TRACKABLE 

Brands like Starbucks, CVS, and Sephora have embraced cards that do more than track visits. These programs let users scan, earn, and redeem perks in just a tap. Unlike paper punch cards, they track balances, integrate with mobile apps, and work both in-store and online. Learn from the best retail loyalty programs:

• Starbucks Card: Load funds, earn stars, and pay. 
• CVS ExtraCare: Weekly savings and pharmacy rewards. 
• Sephora Beauty Insider: Points, gifts, and VIP access. 

HOW RESTAURANTS AND C-STORES CAN APPLY THESE TACTICS 

Digital cards drive deeper engagement when combined with other features. By layering in extras, brands can create programs that feel more rewarding and more convenient. Consider options like: 

• Auto-reloads for always-on access. 
• Birthday rewards to drive repeat visits. 
• Referral bonuses to boost new sign-ups. 

BEST RESTAURANT LOYALTY PROGRAM FOR INDEPENDENTS AND MID-MARKET BRANDS 

Independent restaurants and mid-market brands need loyalty tools that are easy to launch and scale. Platforms like Paytronix and Toast offer flexible, user-friendly solutions tailored to these needs. 

Original ChopShop, a fast-casual chain, exemplifies this approach. By integrating Paytronix, they streamlined their brand loyalty program to focus on convenience. Features like app-based ordering, stored value, and personalized rewards led to significant results: 

• A 21% increase in breakfast sales during targeted campaigns. 
• Over 63,000 app downloads in a six-week holiday initiative. 

These outcomes highlight how tailored loyalty programs can drive engagement and sales for independent and mid-market restaurants. 

THE BEST RETAIL LOYALTY PROGRAMS  

Retail loyalty has raised the bar, and restaurants and c-stores can learn from it. Programs like Ulta Beauty Rewards, Target Circle, REI Co-op, and Amazon Prime go beyond points. They offer a sense of belonging, real convenience, and long-term value. Here’s what makes them work: 

• Subscriptions and memberships that drive repeat use. 
• A mix of emotional rewards (like VIP status) and transactional perks. 
• Benefits that build habits, not just one-time purchases. 

These programs work because they make people want to engage, not just redeem. 

WHAT ALL THE BEST LOYALTY PROGRAMS HAVE IN COMMON 

The strongest programs may look different on the surface, but they share a few key traits. It starts with a consistent, connected experience. 

UNIFIED EXPERIENCE ACROSS CHANNELS 

When loyalty is easy to access everywhere (on your phone, online, or in-store) customers are more likely to use it regularly. Each channel is synced, so progress and perks carry over no matter where guests engage. Additionally, centralized data makes personalization faster and smarter. 

DYNAMIC, ADAPTIVE REWARDS 

Strong programs adjust to each customer’s behavior. That means sending rewards after key actions, or nudging guests back with the right message at the right time. Lifecycle campaigns such as onboarding and re-engagement keep loyalty active, even when visits slow down. 

LOYALTY PLATFORM THAT GROWS WITH YOU 

Great programs shouldn’t require starting over as you scale. Whether you’re running one location or expanding across the country, the right platform makes it easy to grow. Look for tools that offer flexible setup, simple customization, and the ability to evolve without added complexity. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LOYALTY PROGRAMS 

Curious about how successful loyalty programs work? Here are a few quick answers to help clear things up. 

What is the most successful paid loyalty program? 

Amazon Prime is one of the most successful paid loyalty programs. Members pay yearly, but get fast shipping, streaming, and exclusive deals that keep them coming back. 

What's the best airline loyalty program? 

Delta SkyMiles is a top choice for many travelers. It’s easy to earn miles, has no expiration, and offers strong flight and upgrade options. 

What is the number one driver of customer loyalty? 

Consistency is the biggest driver of loyalty. When customers know they’ll get good service, value, and experience every time, they’re much more likely to come back. 

What are the three pillars of customer retention? 

The three pillars of customer retention are trust, value, and experience. Customers stay loyal when they feel confident, appreciated, and enjoy each interaction with your brand. 

What is the most common type of loyalty program structure? 

The most common loyalty program structure is points-based. Customers earn points for purchases and redeem them for rewards like gas discounts, freebies, or exclusive benefits. 

BUILD A LOYALTY PROGRAM WORTH SIGNING UP FOR  

The best customer loyalty programs deliver everyday value, genuine convenience, and personal connection. When loyalty feels easy and rewarding, people stick around and spend more money. 

Focus on building relationships, not just loyalty points. Choose the right loyalty program for your brand, or explore options tailored to convenience store loyalty programs. 

Ready to improve your program or launch something new? Book a demo with Paytronix today.