Famous Dave’s recently announced the rollout of a new rewards app via a partnership with Punchh.

The app can be accessed via any smartphone or through the Famous Dave’s website and guests will receive a free sandwich or burger when they initially download the app. Guests receive one bone for every $1 spent at Famous Dave’s. When a guest accumulates 100 bones, they unlock $5 in rewards, redeemable at any participating Famous Dave’s location. The app also will feature info about promotions and insider news.

The app offers benefits to both guests and the brand. For guests, the app confers rewards for, and recognition of, their loyalty; offers exclusive insider news and special offers; includes social media sharing and bonus referrals as well as a location for valuable guest feedback. For Famous Dave’s, the app provides clarity on guest segmentation and thus allows for the opportunity for strategic guest engagement. Furthermore, the app will bring value to Famous Dave’s leadership and marketing teams by providing consistency as the unified program for the entire franchise system, and per the app’s intuitive-use structure.

“This app provides a necessary dual service,” says Famous Dave’s COO, Geovannie Concepcion. “It rewards our loyal Guests who are so important to our success, and secondly, the app helps franchisees continue to innovate and advance their offering.”

The launch of the new app was the final piece of a landmark year for Famous Dave’s and the brand is heading into 2019 with a revamped menu, sleeker restaurant design option and technology innovation aimed to simplify and improve operations.

“We introduced third-party delivery and online ordering via our website in 2017, all of which were focused on improving the convenience and positivity of the guest experience,” Concepcion said. “In 2018, we focused on streamlining those channels and listening to what additional offerings we could bring to the table to improve our guests’ experience.”

Famous Dave’s CEO, Jeff Crivello, echoed that statement.

“We need to make sure we position ourselves in the best possible way to reach the younger and technology-focused segment of our target market,” Crivello adds. “Our advancement as a company depends on innovation and equipping our franchisees with the best technology available to drive their success. We think the Punchh partnership and the reward program will be just the right way to usher in 2019.”

In an effort to minimize cost and to prioritize preferred guest experience, Famous Dave’s is also currently considering the introduction of delivery-only locations. These locations would still offer the same fan-favorites as Famous Dave’s full-service locations, but would cut down on wait time considerably.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” Crivello concludes. “We are positioned for further innovation and success in 2019, and we are all energized to see what else Famous Dave’s can introduce to better the experience of our loyal guest base.”

Casual Dining, Chain Restaurants, Industry News, Famous Dave's