Top 5 Restaurant Loyalty Programs in 2025
We found the best loyalty software for restaurants on the market today - here we break down the top 5 loyalty platforms to boost customer retention and increase visit frequency.
At Clavaa, we understand the unique challenges restaurants face in building customer loyalty. Our research shows that effective loyalty programs can increase customer visit frequency by up to 35% and boost average order value by 20%.
We've analyzed the top restaurant loyalty solutions based on real user feedback, feature sets, and measurable business impact. Our comprehensive comparison will help you choose the right platform for your restaurant's specific needs.
Top 5 Loyalty App Providers for Restaurants
What is a Restaurant Loyalty Program?
With over 660,000 restaurants in the US alone, good food isn't enough to keep customers coming back. A restaurant loyalty program tracks customer visits and rewards their repeat business with tangible benefits. Whether it's the coffee shop's digital punch card or the steakhouse's points system, these programs transform occasional diners into regulars who choose your establishment over countless alternatives.
Watch: Our Favorite Video On Restaurant Loyalty Programs
Why Restaurant Loyalty Programs Are Essential
Smart restaurant owners know that loyal customers are the backbone of sustainable success. Here's why loyalty programs have become non-negotiable in today's competitive landscape:
Boosts Customer Retention
The average American eats out 5.9 times weekly, but where they spend those meals is up for grabs. Loyalty programs tip the scales in your favor.
When Chipotle sends a "we miss you" offer after two weeks of absence, they're not being sentimental—they're protecting their $2.2 million average restaurant revenue.
Enhances Customer Engagement
The local diner that remembers you take your coffee black with a splash of almond milk creates an emotional connection that generic chains can't match.
Modern loyalty systems track preferences, celebrate milestones, and create personalized experiences that transform transactions into relationships.
Levels the Playing Field
In 2023, major chains allocated 11% of their budget to loyalty marketing while independent restaurants spent just 3%.
Yet scrappy hometown favorites regularly outperform corporate giants in loyalty metrics. Why? Their rewards feel authentic.
Studies show loyal customers spend 33% more per order and visit 1.5× more frequently than non-members. This isn't just feel-good fluff—engaged customers are 7× more likely to respond positively to promotional offers. The bakery that texts you when your favorite croissants are fresh out of the oven creates loyalty that no points system can match.
The restaurant experience is enhanced when customers feel recognized and valued
Key Benefits of Implementing a Loyalty Program
Beyond the core advantages, restaurant loyalty programs deliver tangible benefits that directly impact your bottom line:
Increased Revenue
Members typically spend $2-$10 more per transaction than non-members. At scale, that's transformative.
Competitive Advantage
In neighborhoods where three similar restaurants compete, the one that recognizes returning customers by name enjoys 23% higher retention rates.
Customer Insights
Discover that your weekday regulars prefer healthy options while weekend visitors splurge on indulgences—then adjust your specials accordingly for maximum profit.
To discover the best loyalty platforms available today, read our detailed guide on the 7 Best Loyalty Platform Providers in 2025.
Clavaa
Emerging Innovation LeaderRevolutionary Approach to Restaurant Loyalty Software
Clavaa reinvigorates customer loyalty by bringing payments and rewards together. The unique mobile wallet allows no-cost processing for restaurants, transforming that into rewards for their customers. Its early adopters have reported outstanding improvements, with some even reporting a 40% increase in repeat visits. The beauty of the platform is that it transforms a cost center (payment processing) into a customer loyalty center.
How The Clavaa Restaurant Loyalty App Works
Clavaa's mobile application is primarily used for payment in restaurants. The app automatically calculates rewards at every payment made by a customer, therefore resulting in a recompense experience, with less friction for customers and servers alike. Currently, the platform is catering to in-store transactions, but online integration features are slated for development, especially for those restaurants that do a large business in delivery and takeout.
Key Advantages
Considerations
Loyalty Software Market Position
As a new entrant to the restaurant loyalty space, Clavaa still has to mark its presence in this marketing field. There might not be a plethora of reputable third-party reviews, but the adoption stats and some case studies available now tell a story of much promise. It has received attention from restaurants searching for solutions to customer retention problems for its unique proposition of waiving processing fees while automating loyalty rewards.
Square Loyalty
Integrated POS Loyalty Solution
Square Loyalty is a convenient add-on for restaurants already in the Square POS system. This software offers a digital points- or visits-based rewards program that syncs with sales data-dreamlike. Designed for ease of use, customers are able to sign up using only a phone number or email at checkout and to track their rewards online and not with the paper punch cards.
Omnichannel Capability
It is another unique aspect of Square Loyalty, whose cloud-based management enables in-store and online integration. Regardless of ordering at the counter or online through the restaurant's Square Online store, customers will earn and redeem points the same way. This approach reinforces a seamless experience whenever and however a customer interacts with your business.
Key Advantages
Considerations
User Experience & Results
Square Loyalty has become increasingly popular among business owners, as the program receives praise for its ease of use and effectiveness. Businesses have seen a reported increase of 26% in guest frequency after launching the program. While some users note that the price structure using visits can become pricey as the program expands, most users claimed that drowning in thanks to that price is worth it, with many considering it to be an "indispensable tool" for driving loyalty among customers.
FiveStars
Universal Loyalty Network
FiveStars stands apart by building a loyalty network shared among local businesses. Restaurants get to join a larger ecosystem instead of having individual loyalty programs, where customers gain rewards with a single account-a phone number or the app-for getting benefits anywhere in the network. The platform equips a tablet or a POS software integration for customer check-ins along with comprehensive marketing tools addressing member communication.
Customer Experience
This works primarily through in-store check-in, which means customers provide their phone number on a tablet or to the staff. The FiveStars mobile app allows the members to track points, discover nearby participating shops, and engage others into the location. Although some restaurants will integrate with online ordering, the platform is stronger when it comes to in-store engagement or location and connecting local businesses with a shared customer space.
Key Advantages
Considerations
Business Impact
Feedback from users indicates a potential for far-flung revenue impact of FiveStars, with some businesses citing as much as $100,000 in added annual revenue. Success, however, often rests largely on the virulence of the local network and the effective management of the program. While the monthly subscription fee is higher than some similar alternatives, the majority of its users believe that the return on investment is worth the premium when a program is used robustly and properly promoted to customers.
Implementation Note
To maximize FiveStars' effectiveness, restaurants should ensure the check-in tablet is prominently displayed and staff are trained to consistently prompt for phone numbers. The system works best when integrated into the regular checkout flow, making reward earning automatic rather than optional.
Punchh
Enterprise-Grade Loyalty Platform
As a multi-faceted loyalty and CRM platform, Punchh provides a single source for large restaurant chains and franchises. It powers branded loyalty programs for established brands such as Taco Bell and Pizza Hut via sophisticated programs for custom rewards, personal promotions, and AI marketing campaigns. Being an enterprise-oriented system provides it with a host of features that could become overkill for smaller operations.
Advanced Capabilities
Punchh's platform is great at creating uniform consumer experiences across all channels – from in-store POS through mobile app and online ordering. The AI-powered analytics from Punchh makes predictions about customer behaviors and tends toward spending optimization depending on promotions. With a solid integration ecosystem with a variety of restaurant technologies, large-scale loyalty programs with powerful tracking and compelling consumer engagement are made possible.
Key Advantages
Considerations
Implementation Insights
Success with Punchh often requires dedicated resources for program management. While the platform offers powerful capabilities, its complex interface means teams should plan for:
- Staff training on the administrative dashboard
- Regular coordination with Punchh support for optimizations
- Dedicated marketing personnel for campaign management
- Technical resources for integration maintenance
Paytronix
Comprehensive Restaurant Experience Platform
Paytronix serves as the one-stop solution that integrates loyalty programs, rewards card issuance, customer communications, and online ordering. It's well-known for efforts like MyPanera and for designing complex loyalty structures while also offering thorough analyses of program effectiveness. Its strength lies in its aim to interconnect various points of customer interaction into one manageable system.
Data-Driven Approach
All those analytics lift the platform's whereby you get predictive analytics and a plain view of all program performance metrics. Business can track down anything from enrollment rates to the frequency of visits and promotion effectiveness. A data-driven approach allows restaurants to inform their decision-making on loyalty strategies and engagements with customers across every channel.
Key Advantages
Considerations
Partnership Approach
A standout feature of Paytronix is their commitment to client success. The company provides:
- Dedicated technical consultants for program optimization
- Regular platform updates based on client feedback
- Annual user conference for knowledge sharing
- Ongoing campaign support and optimization
Choosing the Right Loyalty Solution
The Evolution of Restaurant Loyalty
There's been a major change in the restaurant loyalty landscape, allowing solutions to be offered to businesses of varying size. Ranging from innovative payment-based applications like Clavaa to more comprehensive Punchh and Paytronix enterprise solutions, with each system featuring certain strengths that can be pulled out to attend to different business needs. The trick is matching whichever platform with the specifications of your restaurant.
Finding Your Fit
Small Independent Restaurants
- Clavaa - For zero processing fees and automated rewards
- Square Loyalty - For existing Square POS users
- FiveStars - For community-based loyalty network
Growing Multi-Location Chains
- Square Loyalty - For streamlined operations
- FiveStars - For broader customer reach
- Clavaa - For maximizing profit margins
Large Restaurant Chains
- Punchh - For enterprise-grade features
- Paytronix - For comprehensive analytics
- Custom solution using available APIs
Key Considerations
When evaluating loyalty platforms, consider these critical factors:
- Cost Structure: From processing fees to monthly subscriptions, understand the total cost impact on your business.
- Integration Capabilities: Ensure the platform works seamlessly with your existing POS and online ordering systems.
- Customer Experience: Look for solutions that make it easy for customers to earn and redeem rewards across all channels.
- Analytics & Insights: Consider the depth of data and reporting tools available to optimize your program.
Related Articles
Need More Information?
Compare detailed features, pricing, and customer reviews for each platform.
Compare All SolutionsReady to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to find the right loyalty solution for your restaurant.
Book a ConsultationReady to grow your business?
Join thousands of businesses using Clavaa to boost customer loyalty
Start using Clavaa
Get set up in minutes and start growing your business with integrated payments and loyalty.
No credit card required
Free payment processing with Clavaa
Full access to marketing tools
Talk to our team
Get personalized guidance on how Clavaa can help your business grow.
15-minute discovery call
Live product tour
Customized growth strategy
Join thousands of businesses already using Clavaa to boost their revenue