How to Create a Café or Restaurant Loyalty Program Using Customer Surveys

Running a café or restaurant is about more than just great food and drinks; it’s about creating an experience that keeps customers coming back. One of the best ways to do this is by offering a loyalty program. But before you start handing out punch cards or discount codes, you need to know what your customers actually want. That’s where surveys from SurveySalad.com come in.

Step 1: Ask Your Customers What Motivates Them

Instead of guessing what kind of rewards will encourage repeat visits, use SurveySalad to create a quick and easy survey. Ask questions like:

• “Would you prefer discounts, free items, or exclusive offers?”
• “How many visits should earn a reward?”
• “Would you join a loyalty program if it was digital, physical, or app-based?”

By sending this survey through email, QR codes on menus, or even receipts, you’ll gather real customer insights that help shape a loyalty program they’ll actually use.

Step 2: Analyze the Insights

SurveySalad doesn’t just collect responses; it provides valuable insights that show patterns and preferences across your customer base. For example, you might find that:

• 3 out of 4 customers prefer a free drink over a discount.
• Most people would join if the program was digital (easy to track via phone).
• Customers are more motivated by “VIP” perks like early access to specials than by generic rewards.

These insights give you the confidence to design a program that matches your audience.

Step 3: Build Your Loyalty Program Around the Data

Now that you know what your customers want, you can create a program that feels personalized. For example:

• If discounts are the top motivator: Create a “Buy 9, Get 1 Free” coffee card or a points-based system.
• If exclusivity is preferred: Offer “Members-Only Mondays” where loyalty members get early access to new menu items.
• If digital is a must: Use an app or email-based system to make tracking simple.

Because the program is based on actual customer feedback, it’s much more likely to succeed.

Step 4: Promote It Using Surveys Again

Once your loyalty program launches, keep the conversation going. Send follow-up surveys through SurveySalad to ask:

• “How satisfied are you with the loyalty program?”
• “What would make it more exciting for you?”
• “Would you recommend our loyalty program to a friend?”

This way, you’re not just launching a one-time promotion; you’re creating an evolving program that grows with your customer base.

Why Surveys Work Better Than Guessing

Too many restaurants build loyalty programs around assumptions, only to find that customers don’t engage. By using SurveySalad surveys, you remove the guesswork and design rewards around real customer desires. The result?

• Higher engagement
• More repeat visits
• Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty

👉 Ready to start building your loyalty program? Head to SurveySalad.com and create your first customer survey today.