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Unlock the Secrets of QSR Loyalty
In today’s competitive quick-service landscape, loyalty isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your edge. But what does loyalty look like for QSRs in 2025? How are operators of every size investing in customer connection, and which strategies actually deliver results?
We partnered with Restaurant Business to conduct a restaurant industry study of more than 450 decision makers. The Scaling Loyalty for QSRs Guide is your go-to source for the latest trends, numbers, and real-world advice on building and scaling customer loyalty programs. Whether you’re running a neighborhood café or overseeing a multi-location brand, this guide distills what’s working, what’s changing, and where the biggest opportunities lie.
What’s Inside the Report?
In-depth, data-driven findings, including:
The top tactics small and large QSRs are using to drive repeat visits
- How budget and team size influence loyalty strategies (and how to make every dollar count)
- Real statistics on digital program adoption—and what that means for your next move
- Expert tips on using technology (from punch cards to AI-driven offers) to meet guests where they are
This isn’t just another industry roundup—it’s a roadmap. The Square QSR Loyalty Data Guide is packed with actionable recommendations tailored to your stage of growth.
How Restaurants Can Win at Loyalty & Guest Experience—Expert Tips from Square
- Personalize Every Visit: Use tech to make each customer feel recognized, whether they order in-person or via kiosk.
- Easy, Exciting Loyalty: Loyalty programs should be quick to join and offer more than discounts—think exclusive experiences and early access.
- Feedback Fuels Improvement: Actively collect and use guest feedback to fix problems and spotlight what you do best.
- Smarter Use of Data: Connect sales, feedback, and location data to improve marketing and guest experience.
- Test, Then Scale: Pilot new initiatives with your best teams, gather input, and launch when ready for success.
FAQ
- What is the best way for a QSR to start a loyalty program? Starting a loyalty program is easy with Square. You can launch a simple points or punch-card system directly through your Square POS—no extra hardware or technical expertise required. Focus on easy-to-understand rewards for repeat visits, and promote the program in-store and online to maximize sign-ups and participation.
- How can digital loyalty programs help QSRs increase repeat business? Digital loyalty programs make it easier for customers to earn and redeem rewards, which increases engagement and encourages repeat visits. With tools like Square Loyalty, QSRs can offer seamless enrollment, automatic reward tracking, and personalized offers, all proven to boost customer retention and average spend.
- What customer data can QSRs use to personalize loyalty rewards? QSRs can use data such as order history, visit frequency, preferred menu items, and customer feedback to personalize rewards and promotions. Square’s platform collects and organizes this information, enabling operators to send targeted offers—like discounts on a guest’s favorite dish or special perks for frequent visitors.
- Are loyalty programs worth the investment for restaurants? Yes, even basic loyalty programs can drive significant ROI for smaller restaurants. The survey shows that loyalty members spend 40% more per visit and visit 64% more often than non-members. With affordable solutions like Square, small QSRs can launch and manage effective loyalty programs without large up-front costs or ongoing complexity.
- What trends are shaping the future of QSR loyalty programs? Current trends in QSR loyalty include mobile-first experiences, subscription-based rewards, and AI-driven personalization. Larger operators are leading the way, but with Square, small and mid-sized QSRs can quickly adopt simplified versions of these innovations—keeping them competitive and relevant as customer expectations evolve.
