Panera has made the unlimited coffee subscription experience a reality—at least since last winter. For just $8.99 a month, consumers can enjoy "free" unlimited coffee; apparently as often as once every two hours. This model allows for a new take on the loyalty program that many cafes and restaurants have relied on in the past. However, a subscription service might prove to be more frugal. GrubStreet writer Rachel Sugar writes: "you go to Panera because you've already paid for Panera, and while you're there, you might also buy a muffin.
Many restaurants and cafes are following Panera's lead on the unlimited coffee subscription model. According to Business Insider, the popularity of this signals the "radical new weapon in the fast-food-breakfast wars."
Unlimited Coffee Subscriptions
Panera is Looking to Revolutionize How Consumers Purchase Coffee
Trend Themes
1. Unlimited Coffee Subscriptions - The unlimited coffee subscription model is gaining popularity among cafes and restaurants, disrupting traditional loyalty programs.
2. Frugal Subscription Services - Subscription services like Panera's unlimited coffee offering may prove to be a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional loyalty programs.
3. Fast-food Breakfast Wars - The unlimited coffee subscription model is seen as a radical new weapon in the ongoing fast-food breakfast wars.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry may benefit from offering subscription-based loyalty programs to attract and retain customers.
2. Hospitality - Hotels and other hospitality businesses may find success in offering subscription-based coffee programs to guests as a value-add.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Marketing and advertising firms may be able to help businesses develop and implement subscription-based loyalty programs to drive customer engagement and retention.