Chopt Creative Salad Company introduced a new loyalty app in April, which incorporates three tiers of status for customers based on how often they go to Chopt: Member, VIP, and Elite. The rewards app includes customizable points redemption, bonus perks, members-only events, popup challenges, and express pickup times for Elite members.

While not a subscription program, Chopt’s loyalty program takes inspiration from them, with a focus on making members feel special through more than just discounts and a basic dollars to rewards structure. The added bonus perks for higher-level members also encourages customers to visit and spend more often.

It was only a matter of time before CosMc’s — McDonald’s intergalactic-themed beverage spinoff — got its own loyalty program. CosMc’s was only a few months old when it launched its first loyalty program — CosMc’s Club — in May of this year, prompting guests to download the CosMc’s app, and receive a free drink when they sign up.

The purchase-for-points rewards program structure allows customers to redeem points for freebies, discounts, and more. A $2 CosMc’s Club reward is achieved for every 400 points earned, and $1 spent equals 10 points.

Although CosMc’s still only has a handful of locations, McDonald’s is likely taking notes for its own loyalty program, which launched in 2021, and currently has more than 150 million active members. 

Jollibee launched its first rewards program in October this year, letting customers collect “Jolly Points” for every dollar spent at the Filipino quick-service chain. This dollars-to-points loyalty program lets customers redeem Jolly Points at checkout (10 points for every dollar spent) either online or in-store and offers a free pie on their birthday.

Luis Velasco, senior vice president and marketing head for Jollibee North America, said that the program is, “tailor-made to amplify the special sense of community that we share with [customers].”

KFC U.S. announced a new loyalty program called KFC Rewards in February, where customers can earn points on their orders through their rewards account both via mobile and web-based orders.

This dollars-to-points rewards program gives guests 10 points for every dollar spent, which then can be redeemed for rewards through KFC’s Secret Recipe Vault. Available rewards from the vault will rotate continually. The program will also offer personalized offers for discounts or free food based on customers’ individual purchasing habits.

The program rolled out to international markets before it was introduced to the U.S. this year, with the goal of “serving even more joy” to the Yum Brands’ company’s most loyal guests.

At the start of this year, Potbelly announced the redesign of its loyalty program, Potbelly Perks, to emphasize faster and more custom rewards, and an easier to use customer interface. The sandwich brand went from an “automatic conversion program” to the more modern “bankable points” program, which offers customers more flexibility and personalization, including different tiers based on how much a customer spends.

In the app, customers can see how many coins they have, illustrated by a digital barometer, and what rewards they can cash in using those coins, which expire after one year. Coins are accrued based on dollar amount spent in a year, like airline frequent flyer miles — so they don’t just go away when you cash in a reward.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. updated its Royalty program in May, and according to executives, it led to increased guest visits.

Like many of the other revamped programs, loyalty members can redeem rewards faster and now earn one point for every dollar spent. After 100 points, guests receive a $10 reward, good for both dine-in as well as online orders.

The company also has a 90-day redemption window on rewards, which has helped to increase guest return visits. As a result of these changes, rewards members visit more frequently, and spend more than non-loyalty members.

The loyalty program is among  the changes the Englewood, Colo.- based casual-dining brand made in 2024 to put “Red Robin back on the map in the minds of consumers.”

In September, White Castle updated its Craver Nation loyalty program five years after the program was first launched. The makeover includes a points system, features a tiers program, and allows members to earn points by purchasing menu items and completing “quests,” like trying new menu items.

When customers continue to engage with the brand through everyday purchases and by completing these quests, members can then earn badges and rewards, such as additional offers and points. The different tiers — Adventurer, Champion, and Legend — are unlocked through quests completed and points earned. Members also have special access to exclusive offers on their birthday and during seasonal promotions.

This gamification strategy is also a popular approach for brands looking to spice up their loyalty offerings.