QSRs Scan QR Codes to Increase Store Loyalty Recognition

Major companies are using in-store QR codes to link all transactions, including in-store purchases, to consumers' digital profiles as eateries try to better focus their marketing and increase customer frequency.

For example, the massive quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain Restaurant Brands International (RBI) owns Burger King and Popeyes among other brands.

It disclosed during its earnings call earlier this month that it is using QR codes to encourage in-store adoption of its loyalty program for its Tim Hortons brand as part of its ongoing effort to reach 100% digital sales.

QSRs tap QR codes to expand loyalty recognition in stores

RBI CEO Josh Kobza said to analysts on the call, "Our digital and operations teams work cross-functionally and collaborate with restaurant owners to deliver a great guest experience."

"Our new scan-and-pay feature is driving improvements in restaurant throughput and creating a more seamless experience for team members and guests by allowing a single QR code to be scanned for both loyalty and payment."

According to Kobza, the implementation of this functionality helped the business witness a "7% year-over-year improvement" in visitor satisfaction during the quarter, along with a 10% increase in drive-thru service speed.

Furthermore, the health-conscious fast-casual restaurant chain Sweetgreen provided an update on its September addition of in-store loyalty check-in QR codes during its most recent earnings conference.

The firm stated that this has aided in increasing program acceptance and is a continuing objective to enhance the program's capabilities.

The CEO Jonathan Neman stated, “We have been very focused on enrollment in both [loyalty program] tiers, both the free tier and the paid tier, the membership tier.

We recently made Sweetpass available in shops, which is a significant and expansive channel for us.

Thus, we are beginning to understand a great deal more about its capabilities.”