In this episode of Room for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with Steve Fusco, President of Rewards Network, to explore how independent restaurants can drive revenue through smart loyalty strategies. Steve shares how partnering with global rewards programs—like airlines and hotels—helps restaurants attract full-price paying customers without relying on discounts. They also discuss the power of data-driven insights, making it easier for operators to understand customer behavior and increase repeat visits. Steve highlights the biggest challenges in customer acquisition today and why simplicity is key when implementing loyalty programs. Plus, he shares his journey from the Marine Corps to leading a business that supports 20,000+ restaurants and his work with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Don't miss this insightful conversation on scaling smarter and building long-term success!

Takeaways:

1. How Restaurants Can Stand Out in a Crowded Market - In today’s digital world, consumers are bombarded with thousands of marketing messages daily, making it harder than ever for independent restaurants to get noticed. For small restaurant owners, the key is leveraging data-driven marketing and established loyalty networks to reach the right audience. 
2. Loyalty Programs Should Tap into What Customers Already Value - Rather than expecting customers to engage with another restaurant-specific app, restaurants can leverage existing loyalty networks like airline miles and hotel points to drive traffic.
3. Small Business Owners Need Simplicity, Not Complexity - Many restaurant owners juggle multiple roles, making it crucial to use marketing tools that work without extra effort. Loyalty programs should be easy to implement so operators can focus on delivering great food and service.

Episode Links:

• Visit Rewards Network Online
• Follow Rewards Network on Instagram
• Follow Rewards Network on Facebook
• Follow Rewards Network on X
• Connect with Steve on LinkedIn
• Connect with Rewards Network on LinkedIn

ABOUT STEVE FUSCO:

Steve joined Rewards Network as President in 2018, overseeing the Sales and Partnerships functions and serving in a general leadership position in support of the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and organization at large.

As a growth leader, Steve brings a strong background and deep experience in the fields of e-commerce, finance, banking, and technology, translating into the successful businesses he built at PayPal and before that, Citigroup. At PayPal, Steve served in a number of roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, Steve served as Vice President and General Manager of Global Distribution in which he led a global team responsible for partnership with technology platforms and marketplaces. Prior to PayPal, Steve served in a variety of executive roles at Citigroup, in both the Credit Card and Retail Banking businesses.

A native of New York and graduate of Duke University and UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Steve spent his early career in the Marine Corps and remains active in veteran’s causes. In 2014, he was recognized by the Silicon Valley Business Journal as one of Silicon Valley’s “40 under 40.”

Steve currently resides in Northern California with his wife and three children.

ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

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