GoKawiilTaco Bell, Domino's, Burger King add in-app games to loyalty programs
Taco Bell has launched a weekly mini-game for rewards members running through Nov. 1, letting players earn 'Paddles' for prize drawings including a signed Davante Adams jersey. The move follows Domino's summer launch of its Soccer Shootout game and Burger King's sweepstakes offering Royal Perks members weekly cash prizes up to $5,000. Smoothie King's earlier spin-to-win games reportedly drew over 2 million plays and boosted loyalty sign-ups by more than 40% in three months, per platform builder PAR Technology.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The trend suggests fast-food chains are betting that gamified loyalty apps can drive repeat visits and sign-ups without resorting to price cuts, which would be notable at a time of pressure on restaurant margins. PAR Technology's data on Smoothie King indicates such games could re-engage lapsed customers, though it's unclear how that translates into actual sales across the industry. Wider adoption by major chains like Taco Bell, Domino's and Burger King could signal gamification becoming a standard retention tool rather than a one-off gimmick.
- Taco Bell's weekly mini-game runs through Nov. 1 with prize drawings for rewards members
- Domino's and Burger King have also rolled out in-app games or sweepstakes this year
- Smoothie King's PAR Technology-built games reportedly lifted loyalty sign-ups over 40% in three months
Source: entrepreneur.com — Jonathan Small, 2026-10-26
Published there as: “Taco Bell and Other Chains Are Using App Games to Keep Customers Coming Back. Is It Working?”
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