ALEXANDRIA, Va.—QSR Magazine reports that restaurant apps are booming. “Year over year in the month of February, downloads of the top 36 quick-service restaurant apps are up 33.7 percent.”
Subway’s app is now the third most popular among restaurants, fueled by a buy-one-get-one free deal in February that was exclusive to app users. Subway registered 76% growth in year-over-year downloads of the app. Jersey Mike’s (112% increase year over year), Jimmy John’s (40%), Potbelly (22%) and Firehouse Subs (22%) were other sandwich shops showing strong app improvements.
Panda Express app downloads also were strong, growing 43% year over year. “The chain … ran a promotion celebrating the Lunar New Year in the form of a lottery scratcher game. Customers could win discounts, free food and substantial gift cards by playing,” the magazine reported.
Pizza chains generally slid down the app rankings, with Domino’s recording almost a 6% drop in year-over-year downloads. Papa Murphy’s, Marco’s Pizza and Blaze Pizza also saw declines.
Recently the convenience industry earned strong marks for its app-based loyalty programs. United Dairy Farmers, GoMart and Pilot Flying J were among the companies earning accolades.