The Japanese practice of continuous improvement, or kaizen, is the spirit behind JINYA Ramen’s brand identity. Founded in 2010 and quickly growing, the business is winning over the hearts of ramen lovers across its 60 locations and counting. This year, JINYA looked beyond its menu to consider how it could improve the guest experience. Turning to Paytronix for a new mobile app and loyalty program built on industry-leading engagement technology, there was only one catch: JINYA wanted everything live in four months.
JINYA’s aggressive growth plan to add 25 units annually for the next decade meant there was no time to waste. The small internal team realized it needed a flexible and scalable way to communicate with its best guests and keep them returning. They had an existing program that included an e-club, birthday rewards, and standard we-miss-you programs, but it lacked any ability to offer the more advanced points-based programs and AI-driven targeting campaigns built into the Paytronix platform. Paytronix evaluated the brand’s current guest engagement strategy and advised ways to advance it.
“We demonstrated our industry-leading capabilities in navigating complex projects for ambitious brands. JINYA was integral in the decision-making process, helping guide the design to bring out the best of their brand. We kept the project on time and committed every necessary resource to ensure a successful and painless launch,” said Paytronix Implementations Consultant Jenna Furlong.
The new loyalty program features a bankable points design with a 400-point automatic conversion ceiling. Guests receive one point for every dollar spent at JINYA and can redeem for rewards at 100-, 200, and 300-point thresholds. Along the way, guests are treated to birthday, anniversary, and surprise rewards to maintain excitement.
“Everything we do at JINYA is focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience, from ingredient selection and food preparation to attentive, personalized service,” said Tomo Takahashi, JINYA’s founder and CEO. “Our new and improved loyalty program is just one more way we get to show our guests how much they mean to us and create memorable experiences that keep them coming back.”
The new program and the JINYA app will go live the week of December 19, with the goal of reaching 500,000 users within the first six months.