Why not more frequent user programs for chain restaurants?
 

If grocery stores, which operate on about a 6% margin can have them, It seems to me that for a minimal cost most restaurant chains would do well to incorporate a swipe card of some type to reward frequent users.

Starbucks comes to mind, as they seem to be everywhere now. There are huge amounts of people that go to them everyday at home and look for them when they travel. They could have special "express" lines for elites,etc.

I think that restaurants as diverse as McDonalds and Ruth's Chris could benefit from a FF-like program.

Many restaurants have them, but don't advertise them.

Best example: The Palm (steakhouses) They have the 837 Club.

In Bangkok, I've noticed that many local and international chains, as well as a number of one-off's, have discount cards and/or frequent diner programs. A few which come to mind are: MK, Black Canyon, Sizzler, Fuji, Daidomon, See Fa, S&P, and dozens more that I could list if I pull out my cards. As a matter of fact, it almost seems like sport in BKK to see who has the thickest wallet full of dining cards.

McCormick and Schmick's, one of my favorite higher-end chain Seafood restaurants has a really good program IMO.
Many do. Sometimes you just have to ask or look around on their website. They don't always put out an application for you.

Starbucks *does* have a reward program. http://www.fosdinersrewards.com/

But they also make the bulk of their money on relatively low cost items that are significantly marked up. This morning, I paid $2.65 for an iced tea that would cost me about a dime to make (and thats using their fancy Tazo tea... it would be about 3 cents if I used cheaper tea bags).

So does Ruth's Chris http://www.fosdinersrewards.com/

Places like McDonalds or Taco Bell have loss leaders rather than a reward program. I can't make a Bean Burrito or a cheeseburger at home for $.99. They're just hoping you'll buy a drink with it so they will recoup the loss. I don't think they could afford a reward program.

Having a swipe card will slow things down, which is not good for McDonald's. Their sole positive aspect (IMHO) is speed.

Three I can think of off the top of my head...

* Red Robin
* Qdoba
* Garbanzo's (smaller chain, only in CO and NJ, IIRC)

You can't, but they buy in such bulk that I'm sure they have a decent profit margin even at $0.99.

Taco Bell here had a promo where if the Rockies scored 7 or more runs the previous night, you could get two free tacos with a purchase of a large drink. Now (with all the local sports teams), it's usually four tacos for $1 with large drink purchase.

Red Robin is only in certain areas. Some of their locations are franchises, and it is up to each franchise owner to determine if they want to participate.

Since I'm always interested in this topic:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/s-p-m...-programs.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/dinin...g-rewards.html

Lettuce Entertain You
 

has a great rewards program for multiple restaurants in multiple locations.


www.leye.com

We have a "loyalty card" from PF Chang's ( Warrior Card). A little different because it is not BUY X and GET X... they change around what you get ...right now it is a free order of lettuce wraps. I like the offers, YMMV.

Also have one from Carraba's....it is called Amici Club. Their's is a little different than most, too - you get emails w/ offers and specials. Not very lucrative, but still....we have been invited to (3) different tasting occasions where we tried new menu items, etc when the restaurant was closed and only Amici members were invited.

As another mentioned - the McCormick and Schmidt one - good news is that if I can host a lot of business dinners there, the points add up fast...but their points expire, which is always a big turn-off for me. Especially as they offer some pretty neat top tier rewards...but most people's points expire before they accrued enough to use them. The free appetizer each trip is nice though...and we do find we can more easily get reservations (and snugs!) when we mention the card.

We have also started taking advantage of the gift card "Buy $$$ and get $$$ free" - available at Christmas of course, but also around Mother's Day/Father's Day, etc. (and in some cases on line all year). Often a 10 - 20% savings, but of course you are spending your money up front.

Here are others I am aware of:

• Subway in our area has the Subway club. One point per dollar and 75 points gets you a free footlong. This replaced the stamps of years past. Not available everywhere though as I have asked while on vacation and it wasn't available.
• Max and Ermas has a club also, not as great but after 5 visits you get 5% off future dining. The % goes up the more visits you have. Not very many other offers to get you in the door though.
• Red Robin Red Royalty program
• TGI Fridays Give me More Stripes
• Landry's Select Club (Replaced Rainforest Safari Club)
• My Outback Rewards. Basically good for a free appetizer after $250 spend.

Yes, Subway is only certain locations.

TGI Friday's has changed their program so that you can redeem for different options, rather than just a free app after a certain level. You need to select what you want, and redeem it online.

Their levels are:
Spend $50, receive a free dessert
Spend $80, receive a free sandwich
Spend $100, receive $8 off your check, or a free chicken or seafood entree
Spend $150, receive a free steak or ribs entree.

This is based on earning 1 point/$1 spent.

Why not, you ask? I'll tell you why.

McDonald's and some similar restaurants have been fighting for years the claims that their food and the way they advertise it promote obesity. Although nobody has proven the claims or won a lawsuit against them, McDonald's has voluntarily toned down their advertising and now encourages people to eat a more balanced diet. A frequent eater plan that rewards people who pig out would appear to be the opposite of encouraging balance.

Would they give free upgrades that supersize fries and shakes at every meal for their frequent pigs?