In today’s world of restaurants, where flavors abound and choices compete, offering delicious food alone is no longer enough to attract and retain customers. Building a strong and sustainable relationship with customers has become the key to true success. This is where loyalty programs come in, having transformed from mere points cards into integrated systems that reward customers for their loyalty, turning them from mere visitors into an integral part of the restaurant’s family.

Al-Sanabel Restaurant, distinguished by its offering of “Your Passport to the Most Delicious Dishes in the World” and its strategic location near the Prophet’s Mosque, understands this reality very well. Therefore, it launched its special loyalty program: “Takram.” This program is not just a means to collect points; rather, it is an invitation to a unique experience, an appreciation and thank you to every customer who chooses Al-Sanabel as their destination. In this article, we will delve into understanding the “Takram” program, discover how it aligns with the best global practices in loyalty programs, with a special look at the Saudi market, and how you can be a part of this enriching experience.

Why Have Loyalty Programs Become a Necessity, Not a Luxury, in the Restaurant Sector?

Loyalty programs are considered the cornerstone of customer retention strategies in the food and beverage sector. In a market characterized by intense competition, where new restaurants constantly emerge and consumer preferences change, retaining existing customers has become more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Studies indicate that increasing customer retention rates by 5% can increase profits by 25% to 95%.

Key Benefits of Loyalty Programs for Restaurants:

1. Increased Repeat Visits: Loyalty programs encourage customers to return repeatedly to take advantage of discounts or earn rewards, which increases the customer’s lifetime value.
2. Enhanced Spending: Customers enrolled in loyalty programs tend to spend more on each visit, as they strive to reach higher levels of rewards or take advantage of exclusive offers.
3. Building Strong Relationships with Customers: Loyalty programs go beyond the material aspect to foster a sense of appreciation and belonging among customers, turning them into ambassadors for the restaurant who promote it among their acquaintances.
4. Collecting Valuable Customer Data: These programs provide accurate data on customer preferences, behavioral patterns, and purchasing habits, enabling the restaurant to improve the experience and customize offers.
5. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Rewarded and satisfied customers are the best advertisers for the restaurant. Their positive experiences, which they share with others, contribute to attracting new customers at a low cost.
6. Competitive Advantage: In a crowded market, a well-designed loyalty program can distinguish a restaurant from its competitors and make it the preferred choice for customers.

Global examples of successful loyalty programs in the restaurant sector, such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and Dunkin’ Donuts, show how these programs can be a strong driver for growth and profitability. These programs do not just offer rewards; they create an integrated experience that interacts with customers on multiple levels, through easy-to-use applications, personalized offers, and a sense of belonging. Through the “Takram” program, Al-Sanabel seeks to achieve these goals and more, to provide its customers with a loyalty experience befitting the quality and prestige of the restaurant and its dishes.

Global Loyalty Programs: Models to Emulate in Building Loyalty

Many major global restaurant chains offer shining examples of how to design and implement successful loyalty programs that are not limited to offering discounts only, but rather create an integrated experience that enhances the customer’s connection with the brand. These programs demonstrate how restaurants can transform ordinary customers into loyal and enthusiastic ones.

1. Starbucks Rewards:

Starbucks Rewards is considered one of the most prominent examples of application-based loyalty programs and serves as a benchmark for many companies in the food and beverage sector. The program relies on a star system, where customers earn stars for every purchase, and these stars can be redeemed for free food or drinks. What distinguishes this program is:

• Easy-to-use application: Allows customers to order and pay in advance, customize their orders, track their points, and receive personalized offers.
• Personalization: Offers customized rewards and offers based on the customer’s preferences and purchase history, which enhances the feeling of personal attention and appreciation.
• Multiple tiers: Encourages customers to spend more to reach higher levels of rewards and exclusive benefits.
• Community aspect: Enhances customers’ sense of belonging to the Starbucks community through special offers and events for members.

2. Pizza Hut Hut Rewards:

Pizza Hut’s “Hut Rewards” program offers a model for points-based loyalty programs, where customers earn points for every dollar they spend, and these points can be redeemed for free pizzas or side dishes. The program focuses on:

• Clarity and simplicity: The points system is easy to track and understand, which encourages customer participation.
• Desirable rewards: Offers tangible and direct rewards (such as free pizza) that motivate customers to return.
• Integration with online ordering: Makes it easy for customers to earn and redeem points when ordering through the website or app.

3. Dunkin’ Donuts Rewards:

Dunkin’ Donuts’ program focuses on providing priority service and quick rewards for regular customers. Customers can earn points for every purchase and redeem them for free drinks or discounts. The program is characterized by:

• Convenience and speed: Meets the needs of customers looking for efficient and fast service, especially during peak hours.
• Frequent rewards: Offers rewards regularly, which enhances customer loyalty and encourages them to make repeat visits.

4. Chipotle Rewards:

Chipotle Rewards offers a model for loyalty programs that focus on providing personalized and diverse offers. Customers can earn points and redeem them for free meals, participation in exclusive events, or even access to special merchandise. The program highlights:

• Diversity of rewards: Offers multiple options for rewards, which meets the preferences of different customers.
• Focus on experience: Enhances the overall customer experience through offering unique merchandise or exclusive events.

These examples show that successful loyalty programs are not limited to offering financial incentives, but rather focus on building a strong relationship with the customer, providing a comfortable and personalized experience, and enhancing a sense of belonging. These are the principles that Al-Sanabel Restaurant seeks to achieve through the “Takram” program, while taking into account the specifics of the Saudi market and the needs of its customers.

Loyalty Programs in the Saudi Market: Specificity and Competitiveness

The Saudi market is witnessing rapid growth in the restaurant and cafe sector. With this growth, competition intensifies, and therefore, loyalty programs have become a vital tool for Saudi restaurants, not only for retaining customers but also for distinguishing themselves in this vibrant market. Many local and international brands operating in Saudi Arabia adopt diverse loyalty programs that reflect the nature of the Saudi consumer and their preferences.

Examples of Successful Loyalty Programs in the Saudi Market:

1. MyMcDonald’s Rewards: McDonald’s Saudi Arabia offers a loyalty program similar to the global program, allowing customers to collect points and redeem them for discounts or free meals. The program focuses on ease of use through the application and offering personalized deals.
2. Shawarmar Thumcoin Loyalty Program: Shawarmar’s program is an example of an innovative loyalty program that offers diverse rewards that go beyond mere discounts, including digital cards and gifts, and even chances to win big prizes. This program demonstrates how local brands can offer unique loyalty experiences.
3. Other Loyalty Programs: Many local cafes and restaurants in Saudi Arabia offer points-based loyalty programs, direct discounts, or exclusive offers for program members. These programs contribute to building a loyal customer base and increasing repeat visits.

Characteristics of Loyalty Programs in the Saudi Market:

• Focus on the digital experience: The Saudi consumer tends to use digital platforms and smart applications, which makes application-based loyalty programs more attractive and effective.
• Personalization: Customers appreciate personalized rewards and offers that suit their purchasing habits and preferences.
• Convenience and speed: Customers prefer programs that offer quick rewards and easy redemption, and contribute to simplifying the purchasing process.
• Added value: Customers look for programs that offer real value that goes beyond mere discounts, such as gifts or unique experiences.

Al-Sanabel Restaurant understands these dynamics in the Saudi market, and the “Takram” program has been designed to suit these preferences and offer a loyalty experience that competes with the best global and local programs, while maintaining its unique identity and strategic location.

“Takram”: Al-Sanabel Loyalty Program That Truly Rewards You

“Takram” program from Al-Sanabel Restaurant embodies the restaurant’s philosophy of appreciating its customers and providing an exceptional experience that goes beyond merely eating food. This program has been designed to reward customer loyalty in an innovative and rewarding way, and to enhance their sense of belonging to the Al-Sanabel family.

How Does “Takram” Program Work?

“Takram” program relies on a clear and simple system where customers can easily collect points and benefit from rewards:

1. Joining the Program: Customers can easily join the “Takram” program when they visit the restaurant or through online registration via the restaurant’s website or app (if available). Registration usually requires basic information such as name, phone number, and email.
2. Collecting Points: Every time a customer makes a purchase from Al-Sanabel Restaurant, points are added to their “Takram” program account. Usually, there is a specific percentage of the invoice value that converts into points (e.g., every Saudi Riyal spent earns one point).
3. Rewards and Discounts: These points accumulate with each visit, and when a customer reaches a certain number of points, they can redeem them for various rewards. These rewards may include:

• Cash discounts: Deducted from the value of future invoices.
• Free meals: Full meals or specific dishes offered for free.
• Free drinks: Coffee, juices, or other beverages.
• Exclusive offers: Invitations to special events or seasonal offers exclusively for “Takram” members.
• Souvenir gifts: Products bearing the Al-Sanabel brand.

1. The Wheel of Fortune: The “Takram” program adds a touch of excitement and fun through the “Wheel of Fortune.” After a certain number of visits or reaching a certain spending level, the customer may get a chance to spin the Wheel of Fortune to win surprises and instant prizes, which enhances the element of excitement and offers unexpected rewards.

Success Stories from “Takram” Customers:

• Mrs. Fatima, a regular visitor: “I visit Al-Sanabel almost daily to have breakfast after Fajr prayer in the Haram. The Takram program has made every visit more enjoyable. I have received free breakfast meals several times, and once I won a big discount from the Wheel of Fortune. I truly feel that they appreciate my loyalty.”
• Abu Abdullah, a lover of international flavors: “I love trying new dishes, and Al-Sanabel is my favorite place in Madinah for its diverse food menu. Thanks to the Takram program, I have started discovering dishes I had never tried before with amazing discounts. I also always look forward to the chance to spin the Wheel of Fortune, as it adds a touch of fun to my visits.”
• Abu Khalid’s family, visitors from outside Madinah: “We visit Madinah every few months, and Al-Sanabel Restaurant has become our fixed stop. The Takram program makes us feel that we are part of the restaurant’s family. My children love the Wheel of Fortune, and it makes them excited for the next visit. The rewards we get make our experience more valuable.”

The “Takram” program demonstrates Al-Sanabel Restaurant’s commitment to providing a comprehensive customer experience that is not limited to food quality only, but extends to rewarding and appreciating customers, which enhances their loyalty and encourages them to be part of Al-Sanabel’s continuous success story.

Conclusion: “Takram”… More Than Just a Loyalty Program

In conclusion, the “Takram” program from Al-Sanabel Restaurant is an exemplary model to follow in how to build a strong and sustainable relationship with customers. By combining the best global practices in loyalty programs with a deep understanding of customer needs and the specifics of the Saudi market, Al-Sanabel offers a unique experience that goes beyond merely eating food. “Takram” is not just a means to collect points or get discounts; rather, it is an expression of Al-Sanabel’s appreciation for its customers’ loyalty, and an invitation for them to be part of an unforgettable global food journey that begins from the heart of Madinah. With every visit, with every point, and with every spin of the Wheel of Fortune, Al-Sanabel strengthens its position as a preferred destination and solidifies the concept that loyalty is rewarded, and that a distinguished experience is the basis of true success.

If you are looking for a restaurant that offers you the most delicious dishes in the world, rewards your loyalty, and adds a touch of surprise and fun to your visits, then Al-Sanabel Restaurant and the “Takram” program are your ideal destination.

Al-Sanabel Loyalty Program Puts You at Heart Global Experience