Leaders in Customer Loyalty, Powered by Loyalty360

Send us Fan MailAs brands enter 2026, loyalty strategies are being reshaped by economic pressure, rapidly shifting consumer expectations, and the accelerating role of technology. Rising costs, tighter margins, and changing audience behaviors have forced organizations to rethink how they create value that’s not just through rewards, but through relevance, ease, and emotional connection. We recently spoke with Ellen Green, Vice President of Loyalty Strategy at Bounteous, about the forces that most influenced loyalty strategy in 2025 and how those lessons are shaping what comes next. From time-to-value and personalization to AI readiness and organizational alignment, Green outlined why loyalty is no longer a standalone program, but a relationship-driven capability embedded across the enterprise. 

Send us Fan MailWhite Castle’s loyal fan base has kept America’s “first fast-food hamburger chain” in business for nearly 105 years. What makes this brand still appeal to consumers and continue to expand, especially when other chains struggle to keep the doors open?   Loyalty 360 spoke with Jamie Richardson, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at White Castle, on the brand’s longevity and its loyalty program, known as Craver Nation Rewards. 

Send us Fan MailAs brands look ahead to 2026, loyalty programs are evolving beyond transactions toward deeper emotional connection, relevance, and trust. Shifting consumer expectations and broader uncertainty are accelerating this change. We recently spoke with Hayley Hanel, Senior Manager of Strategic Consulting at Kobie, who shared how growing unease around social, political, and economic change is reshaping loyalty strategies and elevating the role of community and belonging.

Send us Fan MailKnown for its irreverent attitude, unstoppable energy, and Seattle-style teriyaki bowls, Teriyaki Madness has always taken its food, but never itself, seriously. Founded in 2003 by friends who wanted to bring Seattle’s teriyaki culture to Las Vegas, Teriyaki Madness was purchased by its current CEO, Michael Haith, in 2016. Now headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the self-proclaimed “scrappy brand,” uses digital innovation to transform a fast casual dining concept from 30 shops, into a national brand of nearly 200 locations. Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke to Jodi Boyce, Chief Marketing Officer of Teriyaki Madness, about the innovative steps the company used to build the brand and a loyalty program of nearly one million members. 

Send us Fan MailBlings, a global company headquartered in New York, New York, is using patented AI-powered MP5 technology to help companies create personalized, interactive videos that connect with customers in real-time. The platform pulls in live data to create each video and customize loyalty offers and gamified experiences, engaging customers and boosting conversion for clients. Loyalty 360 spoke with Yonatan Schreiber, CEO and co-founder of Blings, about how this AI-powered personalized video is reshaping loyalty programs and customer experience. 

Send us Fan MailFor more than 30 years, Toppers Pizza has gone beyond crafting inventive, high-quality pizzas to delivering an experience that keeps guests coming back time and time again. With 60 stores across 14 states, the Wisconsin-based chain has built a loyal following thanks to its fun, late-night-friendly menu, fresh ingredients, and a focus on community connection. The brand has become a fan favorite among college students, young professionals, and anyone looking for a unique pizza experience.  In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Mac Malchow, Vice President of Marketing and Development at Toppers Pizza, about how the brand builds loyalty by rewarding customers, delivering standout experiences, and staying deeply connected to the communities it serves. 

Send us Fan MailCollinson International, a privately-owned provider of global travel and customer loyalty programs, doesn’t offer your run-of-the-mill airport experience. Instead of being squeezed in plastic seating, knee to knee with fellow travelers in the main concourse, the company provides a premium airport lounge experience with a range of amenities.  Loyalty360 spoke with Jeremy Dalkoff VP of Partnerships and Travel Experiences at Collinson International, the operator of the popular Priority Pass, on how the company delivers a high-end, seamless, stress-free experience for travelers at more than 1,800 airport lounges worldwide. 

Send us Fan MailFamilies searching for a relaxed, local restaurant to enjoy good food at a reasonable price, and avid sports fans looking for a place to munch on chicken wings while catching the latest game might find Wings and Rings perfectly meets their needs. Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 41-year-old sports franchisee concept now has 85 locations, 60 within the U.S. and 25 internationally. Known originally as Buffalo Wings and Rings, the company has updated its look, its name, and its menu, but its dedication and commitment to the local communities it services remains strong. In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Dan Sweatt, Senior Marketing Manager for Wings and Rings, about how the company’s franchisees are growing their loyalty business by connecting with their customers and community.  

Send us Fan MailLoyalty360 spoke with Mike Donini, Senior Buyer at Maritz, one of the largest full-service incentive and loyalty partners in North America. Maritz began in 1894 as a family-run wholesaler and manufacturer of fine jewelry and watches. During the Great Depression, Maritz pivoted its business to generate income, selling its merchandise to businesses as sales and service awards. The new direction kept it afloat and launched the beginning of what we know today as the incentive industry.  Today, Maritz designs and delivers large-scale solutions in the areas of channel engagement, consumer loyalty and employee rewards, as well as meetings and events, and automotive solutions. Maritz works with Fortune 500 organizations in industries including finance, shipping and delivery, hospitality, and airlines to design and fulfill loyalty and incentive programs, from program design and operations to purchasing and fulfillment. 

Send us Fan MailLong after most bakeries close, Insomnia Cookies comes to life, satisfying the late-night cravings of students and sweet-tooth fans alike. Founded in 2003 in a University of Pennsylvania dorm room, the brand has transformed a simple idea into a full-fledged movement, growing to more than 350 locations globally and earning millions of devoted fans worldwide. In a recent conversation, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson spoke with David Salama, Chief Digital Officer at Insomnia Cookies, about how the brand is using digital innovation and a redesigned loyalty program to turn transactions into touchpoints, and fans—which the brand calls its ‘Insomniacs’— into a thriving community. By blending technology and creativity, Insomnia Cookies continues to prove that emotional loyalty can be just as powerful (and satisfying) as the perfect chocolate chip cookie.