Northwestern students, faculty and staff can now earn rewards for dining on campus through a newly-implemented loyalty program.
Belly, a Chicago-based startup used in businesses nationwide, uses a scanning system to award points that can be redeemed for free meals, food or even a full catered lunch in all six dining halls and some retail locations on campus.
NU food service provider Sodexo piloted the program in Norris University Center over the summer and installed the iPad-based system in all the dining halls for the beginning of Fall Quarter.
“We didn't have a true loyalty program,” said Sodexo general manager Christopher Gargiulo. “We used the same thing as everyone else — punch cards or buy one get one free.”
Belly users create an account by downloading the program’s smartphone application or registering a swipe card with a detachable keychain card, available in dining halls and NU retail locations. When entering a participating location, whether its Allison Dining Hall or Flat Top Grill in Evanston, users swipe their card, keychain card or scan their smartphone at the business’ iPad. Each visit earns a specific number of points redeemable for various rewards at that location.
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