# Hidden Loyalty Program Apps Chick-fil-A's A-List Program is an Invitation Only App By Joey Haar | Published 2016-10-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alist References: [chick-fil-a-list](https://www.chick-fil-a-list.com/) Chick-fil-A's A-List program subverts the typical logic of a loyalty program. While most loyalty programs are structured such that new consumers will purchase more if they are incentivized, Chick-fil-A's A-List is only available to the [QSR's already loyal customers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/opentable-regulars) -- in fact, many people don't even know it exists. While Chick-fil-A's A-List program might seem backward, it makes sense when considered as a VIP program as well as a loyalty program. The restaurant positions its A-List as an exclusive benefit, a mark of prestige for its most loyal customers. That status, coupled with the impressive benefits like free dining experiences and kitchen tours, make the A-List program worthwhile. Once on the Chick-fil-A A-List, consumers get [access to an app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chick-fil-a-play) that notifies them about the goings on mentioned above. This connectivity makes the A-List more convenient for the initiated. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Exclusive Loyalty Programs:** Brands can create a sense of exclusivity and status by offering loyalty programs that are invitation-only or exclusive to their most loyal customers. - **Hidden Loyalty Program Apps:** Brands can maximize the benefits of their loyalty programs by offering them through hidden or exclusive apps, like Chick-fil-A's A-List App. - **Incentivized Loyalty Programs:** Brands can still benefit from offering traditional incentivized loyalty programs to new customers and less frequent visitors. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Quick Service Restaurants:** QSRs like Chick-fil-A can offer innovative loyalty programs as a way to differentiate themselves from competitors and increase customer loyalty. - **Retail:** Retail brands can adopt exclusive loyalty programs to encourage repeat purchases and foster customer loyalty. - **Travel and Hospitality:** Travel and hospitality industries can create personalized loyalty programs that offer exclusive benefits to their most frequent customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chicken Restaurant Rewards Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-3.md) - [Chicken Restaurant Rewards Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chick-fil-a-4.md) - [Inaugural QSR Loyalty Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/culvers-delicious-rewards.md) - [Comprehensive QSR Reward Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aw-rewards.md) - [Digital Restaurant Rewards Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hardees.md) - [QSR Loyalty Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smokey-bones-membership.md) - [QSR-Backed Rewards Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whataburger-1.md) - [Dine-In Loyalty Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lynq-app.md) - [Tiered Restaurant Rewards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chopt.md)