Restaurant loyalty programs

[bcla]

I've been using a few of these, including some that only work though mobile apps. Burger King had

I've been having some problems using my McDonald's deals. If I have a problem with it, I can't retry it for at least 10 minutes for whatever reason, where I have to wait for the code to reset. McDonald's used to have a pretty crazy rewards program where it was buy 5 McCafe items and then a free one (pretty much anything regardless of size) was available. I even bought coffee for my dad and his senior coffee counted. However, they got rid of that program and now switched to a points per penny program for specific items that aren't coffee. When they switched over I got a ton of points in exchange for what was supposed to be free beverages.

Burger King has gotten kind of weird over the years. All they had was coupons for the longest time with a static code. They might expire after one use or I could use it again immediately or perhaps the next day. But now they modified their app such that new ones are locked out for an hour - similar to what McDonald's does. Also - they have a longer code most of the time where it's tied into their new loyalty program. If I don't provide my loyalty program in some way, I can also enter the receipt number to add the points. It's a bit frustrating since my closest location doesn't allow redemption, although I can earn points and use coupons.

I do like the program at Red Robin, with a free burger during the month of one's birth. Also a buy 9 and get the 10th free. However, I was accumulating these over a few years and just hit the free one. It doesn't include kids meals though. I was wondering how I hit my 9th since I though I had only 8 and my previous visit was just a kids meal and my birthday burger redemption. I looked at my receipt and noticed it had it as a purchase and then a loyalty reward credit. Then the other day I redeemed that 10th (free) entree and today I checked my status. It showed that I was one item in. So even the free ones add to the total, which is unlike other programs where freebies clearly don't accrue loyalty points.

 

[Yoshi]

I have the same problems with the McDonald's app and the codes having to reset. I can't use the kiosks either because of that.

The Burger King app sometimes doesn't want to accept an offer or won't deduct the cost for the free item.

I like Wendy's the best, they have the best offers like $5 off $10 on carryout, free Baconator fries with any purchase, free any size fries with any purchase etc. I also rarely have a problem with their app not working right.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I use the McDonald's app sometimes, and definitely agree that it can be glitchy.

I like the Starbucks reward program and the Chick-Fil-A one.

 

[MillauFr]

I do like the FIre and Vine program in Seattle. I reached the Prime Tier in 2020 and 2021 so I get a $125 dining credit on my birthday and my anniversary. We like El Gaucho by Pike Place Market.

 

[disneychrista]

I use all the apps if I can. Chipotle, McDonalds, Starbucks & Round Table most often. But I have used Burger King, Taco Bell and even El Polo Loco & Chick Fil A once. If I can get something free from buying things I would have already I'm all for it.

I have never had an issue with McDonalds. Just used it this morning and got a buy one get one free breakfast sandwich. Ate one for breakfast and the other for lunch.

 

[bcla]

I use all the apps if I can. Chipotle, McDonalds, Starbucks & Round Table most often. But I have used Burger King, Taco Bell and even El Polo Loco & Chick Fil A once. If I can get something free from buying things I would have already I'm all for it.

I have never had an issue with McDonalds. Just used it this morning and got a buy one get one free breakfast sandwich. Ate one for breakfast and the other for lunch.

I've had it where I scanned it at the ordering kiosks since I like to take my time sometimes. It also allows me to order extra condiments without having anyone look at me funny in line. That creates the most problems, especially if I change my mind and try to cancel. There's something in there that prevents the reuse of the same code until it resets. I also prefer to pay cash sometimes, and I've been told on a few occasions that I couldn't use a coupon without a mobile order, even though the display for a restaurant order showed up for me.

However, the thing at Red Robin threw me for a loop since most loyalty rewards don't count redemptions towards any kind of accrual, whether that's at a restaurant or transportation.

 

[RangerPooh]

I use the Starbucks app almost daily. Free drinks, double point days, it adds up. Sonic app with half price drinks is a nice treat.

 

[Shelley Chiarats]

I love the restaurant Apps. Getting points and bonuses for what I am going to buy anyway.

Some of my favorites are . . .

Sonic - 1/2 price drinks all day

Taco Bell - Earn points and free something after so many points. They even let you use it on a Nacho BellGrande.

McDonald's - I have not had trouble with it. Like the Buy a McDouble get a 6pk Free coupon.

 

[disneychrista]

My frustration with the apps right now is that the Starbucks near me doesn't have mobile ordering available most of the time lately.

 

[Communicore1991]

I use the Dunkin app.... a lot. In fairness, I also order my coworker's drinks and we go twice a day when we're in the office but here are my stats for 2021:

Number of Days Visited: 235
Points Earned: 10,044
Free Beverages Earned: 50

I am also a Chick-Fil-A Red member. I go quite a bit but not enough to earn Signature.

 

[barb969]

I like the program for Outback, Bonefish and Carrabbas. After 3 visits on the 4th you get upto $20 off. We usually get $16 - $20. You can do any combo of the 3 places and get the reward. Bonefish gives a free dessert for your birthday.

 

[ncc1701]

I like the program for Outback, Bonefish and Carrabbas. After 3 visits on the 4th you get upto $20 off. We usually get $16 - $20. You can do any combo of the 3 places and get the reward. Bonefish gives a free dessert for your birthday.

We also like the Carrabbas & Outback program. In fact just got a bonus last night at Carrabbas and plan to use it at Outback soon.
We have the Wendy's App since my Mom likes their Cheeseburgers so we bring lunch in to her almost weekly. Between the Rewards /Offers we almost always get a free sandwich or a few dollars off.
We are also Chick-Fil-A (using the App)and Red Robin loyalty members since we eat at those place on a semi-regular basis.
Only do McDonald's for the occasional breakfast so we haven't gotten the App.