As 2025 winds down, it's time to reflect on the customers that kept your tables full this year — and how to keep those same guests coming back in the year ahead. Whether you’re closing out a strong quarter or rebuilding momentum, now’s the time to turn this year’s first-time diners into next year’s loyal regulars.

Building loyalty isn’t about big discounts or complex programs. It’s about consistency, appreciation, and creating moments that make customers feel connected to your restaurant.

Keep reading for simple, practical ways to strengthen customer relationships heading into 2026.

Why retention should be your 2026 priority

New customers matter — but regulars keep the lights on. In fact, studies show that repeat customers spend 67% more than new customers, making restaurant customer retention a worthy and lucrative priority in 2026. 

Focusing on retention can help you:

• Stabilize revenue: Regulars create predictable order patterns that help with staffing and inventory.

• Build brand trust: Loyal guests are more likely to forgive small hiccups and come back anyway.

• Drive word of mouth: Every returning customer is a potential advocate.

The key is to start simple — by making your existing customers feel seen, remembered, and appreciated.

6 simple tips for improving customer retention in 2026

1. End 2025 with a genuine “thank you”

A little gratitude goes a long way. As the year ends, find a way to thank your regulars — whether it’s a handwritten note in their takeout bag, a small freebie, or a quick “thanks for supporting us this year” message on social media.

Even better, tie your appreciation to action. Offer a small incentive for their next visit — like a free drink, dessert, or bonus reward points if you use a loyalty program. The goal isn’t to give something away; it’s to remind customers that they matter to you.

2. Make reordering effortless

When customers decide where to order, convenience often wins. Make it easy for them to come back by streamlining their experience:

• Keep your menu consistent across platforms.

• Offer quick reorder options on your website and restaurant app, so loyal diners can repeat their go-to meal in seconds.

• Send automated reorder emails to keep your restaurant top-of-mind

3. Personalize every interaction

Your customers don’t want mass marketing — they want to feel like your restaurant remembers them. Try simple personalization tactics:

• Greet repeat customers by name or recall their favorite order.

• Segment your email list so your messages feel relevant (“Your favorite burger is back!” beats “New menu now available”).

• Highlight local milestones in your restaurant marketing  — like your city’s traditions or annual celebrations — and host community events to celebrate.

These touches build emotional loyalty that lasts longer than one-time promotions.

4. Launch a loyalty program

If you don't have a restaurant loyalty program yet, 2026 is a great time to launch one! The most effective programs make rewards easy to earn and redeem — not disjointed systems that create a fractured customer experience.

Consider programs that connect your in-store, online, and third-party delivery channels so customers can earn rewards wherever they order. Cross-channel loyalty available with the DoorDash Commerce Platform Pro package allows diners to earn points across every ordering channel — in-store, online, on your branded mobile app, and on DoorDash. 

5. Re-engage lapsed customers before they drift away

Your “regulars” from last spring might not have ordered in months — but that doesn’t mean they’re gone. A simple reminder can bring them back.

Try sending a friendly, personal text marketing message like:

“We haven’t seen you in a while! Stop by this week and we’ll treat you to dessert on us.”

If you use the DoorDash Commerce Platform, you can automate winback messages like these and track which ones lead to repeat orders in addition to sending one-off text and email blasts.

6. Prioritize predictability when planning

Starting 2026 with a solid base of repeat customers can help you forecast revenue, manage costs, and plan ahead. Regulars provide a reliable rhythm to your business — one that’s easier to scale than constantly chasing new customers.

Whether you manage loyalty through handwritten punch cards or restaurant SaaS (software as a service), the mindset is the same: reward your customers, remind them they’re valued, and make reordering as easy as possible.

Bring your 2025 customers into 2026

The most successful restaurants don’t just attract new customers — they build relationships that last. As you plan for 2026, focus on simple, authentic ways to say "thanks" and build trust.

And when you’re ready to take your loyalty efforts further, the DoorDash Commerce Platform can help connect every order, reward, and customer touchpoint — all in one place.