Use Popular Restaurants' Apps for Free Food

Updated: Jun 12, 2024

Have you noticed that a lot of fast food restaurant chains now have an app for convenient online ordering?

I didn't realize until recently that both El Pollo Loco and Chipotle have loyalty points programs. Especially during and after the pandemic, these restaurants have stepped up their online ordering systems. The apps make it super easy to order ahead of time. Picking up is super easy because they now have dedicated specific pick-up areas.

REWARDED FOR YOUR LOYALTY

The best part about all of this is that they also are offering loyalty points programs where you can earn free food! I’m sure there are restaurants you frequent so often that you feel like you’re the one keeping them in business. This is a great way to give back to loyal customers. We deserve it! Here’s a look inside my Chipotle app so far after only using it for a few orders:

DIGITAL ONLY ITEMS

They have “DIGITAL ONLY” items. I never knew they had quesadillas! What is a “Lifestyle Bowl”!?

FEATURED SECTION + FAN FAVORITES

There is a Featured section (in the bottom menu) which has “FAN FAVORITE” items:

SAVE YOUR FAVORITES

You can save time by adding orders and items to your Favorites with a specific name.

Right now, I have 397 POINTS, which qualifies me for almost 5 SIDE TORTILLAS ($0.50 each) or an order of CHIPS ($1.85). You earn points if you order at the restaurant by hitting the SCAN button in the app to scan your Chipotle Rewards code before you pay. The easiest way to ensure you get your points is to order delivery or pickup via the app.

COLLECT ACHIEVEMENTS

Chipotle has a unique way of getting customers to try new menu items by offering extra points for “collecting achievements”. For example, they have carne asada for a limited time. When you try carne asada, you’ll get 125 extra points and a badge added to your ACHIEVEMENTS board!

MANAGE GIFT CARDS

I love both receiving and giving gift cards. I really appreciate that you’re able to save your Chipotle gift cards to the app. This ensures that you won’t have a random plastic gift card floating around that you forgot to use!

The app notifications are really useful while anticipating when your order will be ready. Search “free when you download app” and you will find a lot of restaurants that have convenient apps.