Staying In Is Here to Stay. What Does that Mean for Restaurant Loyalty Programs? 

Undoubtedly, one of the most affected industries as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was the restaurant industry. As the world quickly came to a screeching halt in the early months of 2020, restaurants quickly accelerated an already existing shift towards digitalization to adapt to customers' new safety and priorities.

Over the past year, many restaurants have reduced the stress of the system by having consumers order online, by phone or mobile app, while additionally offering curbside delivery at the nearest point of retail. According to Mastercard’s “Recovery Insights: The Shift to Digital,” 59 percent of consumers say that eating in more than going out is a change that’s here to stay. 

Despite a brief period of in-person traffic throughout the summer season, consumers have overwhelmingly opted for take-out options from their favorite restaurants. With consumers growing more comfortable with this new means of engagement and convenience, to what degree this behavior…