REWARDING THE REGULARS

The ‘regulars’ reap the rewards

Dining out is a delightful experience, yet expenses can easily eat into an adventure or vacation budget. And in the face of inflation, rising costs can burden both businesses and customers. With local rewards programs at restaurants growing, there may be a silver lining for your savings account. The strategy to attract and maintain customers changed drastically for the service industry during the pandemic. Many establishments began by adding services like curbside pickup, mobile pay and online ordering. And with these systems in place, they could more easily, in exchange for a user’s personal information, offer rewards, such as discounts and other special perks. Grassburger was ahead of the curve with online ordering and rewards. Coowner Jessie Kileen said the restaurant established a loyalty program shortly after moving to a new point of sale and management system (POS). Killeen said customers that sign up with an email address receive one point for every dollar spent. When they reach 100 points, they receive 5% back through a reward. “We were totally dragging our feet on curbside and delivery prior to the pandemic,” she said. “But boy did we pivot. And now we really enjoy and cater to those programs.” Some restaurants in the Four Corners region keep track of a customer’s points via individual app systems, like Durango Joes. However, many people don’t want to download an app for every place that they visit. Instead, many local restaurants are operating loyalty programs implemented through the POS systems already in use, which simply requires customers to connect to an email account at checkout to track progress. Today’s perks are more modernized than the punch cards that read “buy 10, get one free” that crowd a wallet. While this old-fashioned system is tried and true,

LOCAL PROGRAMS

. El Moro offers a $3 discount for every 100 points . Grassburger offers a $2.50 discount for every 50 points . Homeslice offers a $3 discount for every 100 points . James Ranch Grill offers a $1.50 discount for every 50 points . Sage Farm Fresh Eats offers a $2.50 discount for every 50 points . Steamworks offers a $3 discount at every 100 points . Zia Taqueria offers a $5 discount for every 100 points

consumer reports show patrons prefer reward systems that grant and track bankable points, because it allows them to redeem those points for what they want, when they want it. Whatever method a restaurant may choose, implementing a loyalty program seems to be rewarding restaurant owners, too. Data from Paytronix, a platform that provides payment program solutions for businesses, indicated that loyalty guests who visited at least twice annually spent about $7 or 6% more over the course of the year, and loyalty guests spent more per trip in 2020 than in 2019.

The study also revealed that 57% of loyalty app users claim they would spend more on food at local restaurants if they had access to a rewards program. Though chain restaurants have the most popular and widespread programs, many of our local restaurants also offer rewards for returning customers now. Kileen said offering these programs can help local restaurants compete with national chains to a degree, but it can’t replicate the convenience of a drive-thru. Yet, the established loyalty program does give the business an opportunity to stay in touch with their regular customers. “We do a Grazette newsletter and occasional email blasts that go out to them,” she said. “It’s fun to be able to communicate with our customers that way.” Behind every reward program is a plethora of customer data that can benefit a restaurant, including the amount spent on each visit, the time of the visit, the items ordered and other customer demographics. For many restaurant owners, this information can help them establish hours that benefit the customer and business, or monitor what’s most popular on the menu. Access to more information allows owners to streamline the business, which in return, reduces costs.

Across the Western Slope, restaurants are increasing the incentives for customers both dining in and ordering takeout. So, now the only question is: How will you reap the rewards you sow? n

Alcé (pronounced All-Che’) is an American-comfort restaurant located inside the 26,000-square-foot clubhouse at Dalton Ranch Golf Club just eight minutes north of downtown Durango. Alcé is another word for elk which can be seen from what is no doubt the best patio dining experience in Durango. The executive chef is Antonio Ayala, and the restaurant offers more than a meal. It also offers an experience with some of the finest views in the Animas Valley. We also host many events including wine dinners, weddings and other private events.

FILET MIGNON

beef filet grilled and seasoned with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to deliver the most flavor, topped with a pink peppercorn demi sauce

SAUERBRATEN

marinated beef in vinegar, vegetables and herbs, slowly braised, served with cabbage and mashed potatoes with grilled bread

LOBSTER & SHRIMP RISOTTO

hot and spicy creamy seafood risotto, sautéed diced shrimp in garlic butter with herbs in a spicy sauce topped with butter poached lobster tail and Romano cheese

SALMON

seared filet of salmon with garlic and lemon, butternut squash risotto, and roasted baby root vegetables

ROASTED VEGETABLE SALAD

fall and winter fruit and vegetable salad with honey mascarpone, toasted almonds and pepitas, dried fruit and drizzled with balsamic reduction

PASTA ALFREDO

fettuccine pasta is welted with a smooth creamy white sauce, spices, butter, and cheese and a light touch of cream, fresh chopped Italian parsley and garlic bread

Signature Items

American . Comfort

589 County Road 252, Durango (970) 247-4980 www.alcerestaurant.com

Wednesday-Saturday 4-8 p.m. Reservations Recommended

From farm to table and vine to wine Eolus Bar and Dining offers the finest menu selections from Southwest Colorado’s bounty of farms, ranches, vineyards and breweries. Our historic dining room provides a comfortable, mountain elegant setting with tabletop and booth seating. Our covered rooftop patio presents premium views of the surrounding mountains for our guests, as well as private parties. Eolus Bar and Dining is a distinct Durango establishment where guests are invited to relax and enjoy locally-inspired cuisine, wine and other craft beverages.

Signature Items

PAN ROASTED DUCK BREAST

parsnip potato, apple celery salad, local cherry and blackberry gastrique, orange purée, oranges

SEARED SCALLOPS

minted pearl couscous with golden raisins, beet vinaigrette, grapefruit beurre blanc, frisée salad

GRILLED RIBEYE

14-ounce prime ribeye, herbed fingerlings, peeled asparagus, roasted tomato, wild mushroom demi, red wine compound butter

First Place Best Fine Dining Second Place Best Steak Second Place Best Restaurant

Locally Grown . Mountain Inspired

919 Main Ave., Durango (970) 259-2898 www.eolusdurango.com Monday-Friday 5-9 p.m.

Explore Durango’s only food truck collective featuring a culinary experience with a variety of choices and 1950s retro gas station decor. Come enjoy our outdoor seating areas withº great views and savor live music with family and friends. Keep your eyes open for new and seasonal food trucks joining our community on the corner of Main and 11th Street in downtown Durango!

DEVERA’S

an innovative and adventurous walk through Asian inspired dishes brought to you by two local favorite chefs

BACKCOUNTRY GOURMET

gourmet sliders, delicious salads and homemade sides

THE BOX

serving up incredible artisan wood-fired pizzas made with high mountain housemade dough and local ingredients

ERNIE’S BAR

ice cold beer, classic cocktails and handcrafted specialty drinks featuring an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal

AVALANCHE BOWL COMPANY

assorted rice bowls showcasing global cuisines

TASTE COFFEE

coffee bar collaboration with Desert Sun Coffee Roasters serving certified organic, fair trade coffees showcased in a roaster driven format, including single origin espresso shots

MARE NOSTRUM

spicy and authentic food bringing the Mediterranean and Middle East to Durango

RANG TANG BARBECUE

cooking ethically-sourced meats, using local oak and fruitwood to make super savory meats and more

First Place Best Food Truck Second Place Best Outdoor Dining Third Place Best Fries

Culinary Collective . Mezcal Bar

1101 Main Ave., Durango (970) 422-8482 www.11thstreetstation.com Taste Coffee Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-2 p.m., open until 4 p.m. Friday-Sunday Food Trucks closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Online Ordering . Takeout . Outdoor Seating . Live Music