LongHorn Steakhouse uses QR codes to engage visitors

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The restaurant chain is using quick response codes in an effort to target visitors and share promotions.

The LongHorn Steakhouse restaurant chain is trying a new promotional campaign using QR codes in order to attempt to be able to better connect with visitors and encourage them to join the company’s loyalty program.

The chain opted to print the quick response codes and the details of the promotion onto drink coasters.

The drink coasters at the LongHorn Steakhouse now feature QR codes and a text offer that are meant to entice visitors to the restaurant to scan in order to join the loyalty program in exchange for a deal. In this case, that deal was to obtain a free appetizer. Therefore, by doing nothing more than scanning a barcode and joining a free loyalty program, visitors to the restaurant can add an appetizer to their meals without having to pay any more.

This type of use of QR codes in marketing has been successfully implemented by a number of chains.

qr codes appearanceThe program used by LongHorn Steakhouse is a simple opt-in process and many visitors are expected to see considerable value. This could help to provide considerable encouragement to visitors in joining the loyalty program. This opportunity benefits the visitor as he or she will be able to be advised of future promotions and deals, whereas the restaurant will be able to more effectively reach its customers and encourage repeat visits and purchases.

This type of campaign reaches customers at or before the point of sale while and enters them into a conversation with the company that will be able to continue into the future.

Restaurants have been adding QRcodes to their menus and other places within their locations in order to provide guests with more information about their foods and options, nutritional information, as well as to encourage downloads of apps and participation in various promotions and charitable fundraisers.

The use of QR codes in restaurants is extremely inexpensive and cost effective, which means that the restaurant does not face a considerable amount of risk by implementing this type of mobile marketing program.

2 Thoughts to “LongHorn Steakhouse uses QR codes to engage visitors”

  1. Gautam Garg

    Hi Stephanie,

    Thanks for sharing this. I think using QR Codes is a great way to engage guests. We (the team at Scanova QR Code Generator) recently did a campaign with a client where the restaurant challenged its guests to a mobile game. The guest had to scan a QR Code, play the game, and on winning get a free drink. The campaign was quite engaging and quite the success. The restaurant owner was able to build a email subscriber list of actual paying customer for retargeting.

    We also compiled a list of how restaurant owners can use QR Codes to engage customers: pinterest.com/pin/554646510332567285/

  2. Rhonda M. Smolarek

    Great article on QR codes use. At QR Codes of Note, we design completely custom branded qr codes featuring brand logo’s, make the scan a multi-destinational experience and change the destination without reprints! We would be honored to do this for a big brand like LongHorn Steakhouse.

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