Subscriptions turn casual pizza buyers into reliable monthly revenue. Package a clear set of benefits that customers actually use, like one large pie per month or a slice each week, and make redemption fast at the counter. Keep tiers simple, prices anchored to your food cost and expected redemptions, and rules easy for staff to enforce.
Run the program through a branded mobile app connected to Square so payments, renewals, and pass scanning are automatic. Launch with a short presale, in store signage, and a tight staff script. Then track attach rate, churn, visit frequency lift, and payback so you can tune pricing, perks, and messaging without guesswork.
TL;DR
• Sell a simple monthly plan that includes one or more pizzas, slices, or credits.
• Use a branded app connected to Square through Subport to handle payments, renewals, and pass scanning.
• Start with 2 or 3 tiers priced from contribution margin and expected redemptions.
• Protect margin with weekly caps, pickup only on lower tiers, and topping limits or dollar credits.
• Launch in 14 days with a presale, in store QR, staff script, and a clear FAQ.
• Track attach rate, churn, frequency lift, AOV lift, and payback period. Aim for 6 to 10 percent attach and payback inside two months.
• Keep members engaged with monthly specialty drops, birthday slices, and referral credits.
Who this is for
Independent pizzerias, slice shops, fast casual pizza store mobile branded app, food halls, and multi unit operators that want recurring revenue and better visit frequency without discounting away margin.
The problem
COGS creep and delivery app fees squeeze margins. Loyalty points create redemptions without guaranteed cash flow. Traffic is volatile across weekdays. You need predictable revenue and reasons for members to choose you at least twice a month.
The solution
Sell a clear subscription in a branded app your customers use for ordering. Charge through Square with Subport. Bundle one or more pizzas per month, add exclusive deals, and layer referral credits. Members pre commit to visits and lift average order value with sides and drinks.
Subscription models that work
- Classic: 1 large pizza per month with limited toppings
- Classic Plus: 1 large with up to 2 toppings
- Family: 2 large pizzas per month with a salad or garlic knots
- Slice Pass: 1 slice per week with upgrades on drinks
- Lunch Club: personal pizza plus soda on weekdays
- Creators Choice: rotating monthly specialty pizza available to members first
Pricing and margin examples
| Tier | Price per month | Included | Food cost est. | Gross margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slice Pass | $14 | 1 slice per week | $0.90 per slice | ~74 percent before overhead |
| Classic | $19 | 1 large cheese per month | $4.50 | ~76 percent before overhead |
| Classic Plus | $24 | 1 large with up to 2 toppings | $6.00 | ~75 percent before overhead |
| Family | $39 | 2 large cheese per month | $9.00 | ~77 percent before overhead |
Adjust prices to your local COGS and demand. Keep the middle tier the most attractive. Use add ons to lift ticket size.
Redemption rules that protect margin
- Cap redemptions per week on Slice Pass and Lunch Club
- Pickup only on lower tiers and delivery credits for top tiers
- Limit toppings or set a dollar credit for custom pies
- Blackout major holidays if needed and replace with a bonus in the next period
- Auto renew with clear terms inside the app
How Subport implements this with Square
- Plan setup: define tiers, caps, and renewal intervals in Subport
- App branding: your colors, menu, and images in iOS and Android
- Square payments: charge members, store cards, and handle taxes
- Pass scanning: staff validates redemptions with a QR at POS
- Failed payment recovery: automated retries and in app prompts
- Messaging: push, email, and SMS for drops and expiring benefits
- Reporting: attach rate, churn, visits, average order value, and payback period
14 day launch plan
| Day | Task | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose tiers, caps, and prices. Approve terms. | Owner |
| 2 | Create menu photos and member badge artwork. | Marketing |
| 3 | Build the app in Subport and connect Square. | Subport |
| 4 | Set up pass scanning and staff training sheet. | GM |
| 5 | Load referral rewards and welcome sequence. | Marketing |
| 6 | Publish landing page and FAQ. Add QR to store. | Marketing |
| 7 | Start presale to email list and social. | Marketing |
| 8 | Counter cards and box toppers with QR live. | Crew |
| 9 | Influencer outreach and neighborhood groups. | Marketing |
| 10 | Soft launch with staff and VIPs. | GM |
| 11 | Push notification to all app users. | Marketing |
| 12 | Paid test: $20 per day on branded terms. | Marketing |
| 13 | Review presale signups and adjust copy. | Owner |
| 14 | Public launch and referral contest kickoff. | All |
Offer templates you can copy
| Name | What members get | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Weeknight Saver | 1 large cheese any Mon to Thu | Pickup only. Add toppings as paid extras. |
| Friday Family | 2 large cheese on Fridays plus 10 percent off sides | One redemption per Friday. Delivery credit $5 for VIP only. |
| Slice Club | 1 slice per week plus fountain drink for $1 | Valid 11 am to 3 pm. No carryover. |
| Creators Drop | Monthly specialty pizza preview 48 hours before public | First look access. Standard pricing on extras. |
Benchmark targets
| Metric | Good | Great | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attach rate | 6 percent | 10 percent | Share of active monthly customers who subscribe |
| Churn | 5 to 7 percent monthly | Under 4 percent | Use win back offers and credit pauses |
| Visit frequency lift | 1.3x | 1.6x | Track member visits vs non members |
| Payback period | 2 months | 1 month | Include add on profit |
| Average order value lift | 10 percent | 20 percent | Promote sides and drinks |
In store playbook that converts
- Put a QR on the door and counter that says Join the Pizza Club in 10 seconds
- Box topper with a first month promo code
- Staff script: If you get the Slice Pass you save more than this slice every month
- Digital menu tag that marks member only items
- Birthday slice loaded automatically for members
Digital growth loops
- Referral: give $5 credit for both sides when a friend joins
- Drop calendar: announce the next monthly specialty pizza on the 25th
- Win back: 10 percent credit if no redemption in 21 days
- UGC: repost member photos for monthly raffle
- Local partners: school fundraiser nights with member bonus
Operations checklist
- Inventory flags for high demand toppings so caps match supply
- Prep guides for Slice Club hours to keep lines short
- POS quick buttons for member redemptions to reduce taps
- Shift brief each week with member offers and scripts
- Cashier badge in the app to scan and validate the pass
Metrics and reporting
- New members per day broken out by channel
- Active members by tier and redemptions per member
- Cohort churn and pause rates
- Attach rate by store
- Contribution margin by tier after add ons
How to get started today
- Pick 2 or 3 tiers from the templates above
- Write the in store script and print two QR signs
- Upload photos and connect Square in Subport
- Run a 14 day presale to your list and social
- Review benchmarks after the first 30 days and iterate
FAQ
What is a pizza subscription and how does it work?
A pizza subscription is a monthly plan that pre sells set benefits like one or more pizzas, slices, or credits. Customers pay a recurring fee, redeem in store or in app, and you track usage and renewals in your POS.
Can I run pizza subscriptions with Square using Subport?
Yes. Subport sells and manages subscriptions in your branded app while charging through Square. Plans, renewals, pass scanning, failed payment retries, and reporting connect to your Square items and locations.
How much should I charge for a pizza subscription?
Most tiers fall between $14 and $39 per month based on included items and toppings. Price from contribution margin and expected redemptions. Keep the middle tier the best value to drive adoption.
How do I stop abuse or free riding on a pizza pass?
Cap weekly redemptions, limit toppings or set a dollar credit, require pickup for lower tiers, and validate with a member QR at POS. State rules clearly in the offer.
How fast can a pizzeria launch a subscription program?
Most shops launch in 14 days with a short presale. The critical path is tier design, staff training, in store signage, and app setup connected to Square.
What metrics prove a pizza subscription is working?
Track attach rate, churn, visit frequency lift, average order value lift, and payback period. Good targets are 6 to 10 percent attach, under 7 percent monthly churn, 1.3x frequency lift, and payback inside two months.
Should delivery be included in a pizza subscription?
Yes if it fits your margin. Offer delivery credits or free delivery above a threshold and reserve delivery perks for upper tiers to protect profit.
