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Long after most bakeries close, Insomnia Cookies comes to life, satisfying the late-night cravings of students and sweet-tooth fans alike. Founded in 2003 in a University of Pennsylvania dorm room, the brand has transformed a simple idea into a full-fledged movement, growing to more than 350 locations globally and earning millions of devoted fans worldwide. 

In a recent conversation, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson spoke with David Salama, Chief Digital Officer at Insomnia Cookies, about how the brand is using digital innovation and a redesigned loyalty program to turn transactions into touchpoints, and fans—which the brand calls its ‘Insomniacs’— into a thriving community. By blending technology and creativity, Insomnia Cookies continues to prove that emotional loyalty can be just as powerful (and satisfying) as the perfect chocolate chip cookie. 

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How do your customers honestly feel about your brand? Are they just interested in discounts, or do they really believe your brand cares about what they think, buy, and experience when they shop with you? Are there strategic moves your company can make to create a stronger, more lasting relationship with both customer loyalty program members and non-members alike? 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Denise Holt, SVP and Head of Strategy, Experience & Research at Phaedon on ways to cultivate an emotional brand connection with today’s value-conscious consumers.  

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As customer expectations shift and loyalty programs across industries evolve, Carnival Cruise Line is setting a new course for what engagement can look like at sea. Building on over 50 years of guest passion and brand recognition, the company is introducing an entirely new loyalty framework that mirrors the sophistication of leading airline and hotel programs, while keeping the fun, inclusive spirit that defines the Carnival experience. 

At the helm of this transformation is Sidharth Krishna, Vice President of Loyalty, who brings deep expertise from the airline industry and a clear vision for the future of cruising: one where guests can earn, engage, and celebrate loyalty in more ways than ever before. 

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In this episode of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, Loyalty360’s Ethan Perry sat down with Chris Jones, Senior Vice President of Engagement Solutions at ITA Group, to explore how brands are translating emotional loyalty from an abstract concept into a measurable driver of business growth. 

As a returning guest, Jones expanded on themes from his previous conversation, sharing findings from ITA Group’s latest research on emotional connection and how it amplifies the impact of value and ease within loyalty programs. 

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When you walk into a Newk’s Eatery, you’re greeted by the warmth of an open kitchen, the sound of sizzling steak and shrimp on the grill, and the fresh aroma of house-made salad dressings crafted from scratch. Founded in 2004, Newk’s has carved out its place in the fast casual dining space by staying true to two core principles: hospitality and freshness. Every detail, from the open kitchen to the made-from-scratch recipes, is designed to make guests feel welcome and cared for. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, we sat down with Chris Cheek, Chief Development Officer at Newk’s Eatery,to talk about how the brand blends heartfelt hospitality with innovative technology to build customer loyalty. From its scratch kitchen to its evolving digital tools and franchise strategy, Newk’s is proving that genuine connection, not just convenience, is the secret ingredient to long-term loyalty. 

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Every traveler knows the paradox of modern flight: one moment you’re gliding through security and boarding early; the next, you’re navigating delays, lost bags, or crowded lounges. The difference between frustration and delight often comes down to how a brand manages those moments. In an era where expectations evolve faster than itineraries, emotional loyalty is forged not by luxury, but by reliability and relevance. 

In this episode of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, CEO Mark Johnson sat down with Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer at DragonPass, to discuss how the company is reshaping the airport experience and leaning in to what emotional loyalty means for travelers in a post-pandemic, high-expectation era. 

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In the latest edition of Loyalty360’s Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories series, Tara Roth-Sterger, Senior Loyalty Program Manager at MANSCAPED, shared insights into the brand’s journey and its customer-first approach. Founded in 2016 by Paul Tran, MANSCAPED has grown from a men’s below-the-waist grooming company into a global leader in men’s personal care, expanding into beard, skincare, and grooming products. Tara discussed the launch of the brand’s new Members Only Rewards program, which integrates seamlessly with its strong subscription model to deliver simplicity, recognition, and exclusive perks. She emphasized MANSCAPED’s focus on building trust, community, and advocacy, highlighting partnerships like the one with the Testicular Cancer Society, while also underscoring how emotional loyalty and personalization are driving the brand’s next phase of customer engagement. 

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Step into Moe’s Southwest Grill and the first thing you’ll hear is the signature shout: “Welcome to Moe’s!” As part of the GoTo Foods platform company, Moe’s taps into enterprise resources in technology, culinary innovation and guest insights that help the brand translate flavorful energy into long-term loyalty. But what really keeps guests coming back isn’t just the burritos, bowls and queso, it’s the energy, the personality and the way the brand makes loyalty feel fresh and fun. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, we sat down with Mike Smith, Chief Brand Officer at Moe’s Southwest Grill, to talk about how the brand is blending bold flavors with bold ideas. With more than 7 million members in Moe’s Rewards, Smith shares how the team is reimagining loyalty with flexibility, personalization, and plenty of brand personality. 

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For more than a century, Hasbro has been a household name in toys and games, with a portfolio spanning over 1,500 intellectual properties, from childhood classics like Candy Land to iconic titles like Monopoly and Clue. But in today’s entertainment landscape, nostalgia alone isn’t enough. To thrive, the brand has leaned into partnerships, fandom, and digital innovation that bring their intellectual properties to life in new and engaging ways. 

Lindsey Camell, Head of Partnerships and Location-Based Experiences for North America, is at the center of that effort. Her team oversees partnerships that bring Hasbro’s IP to unexpected places, from McDonald’s Happy Meals to cereal boxes to even family entertainment centers and resorts. With loyalty woven into its DNA through decades-long activations like McDonald’s Monopoly, Hasbro is exploring how gamification, personalization, and cultural relevance can keep its brands connected to consumers for life. 

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In this Executive Spotlight, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson speaks with Amanda Mitchell, Head of Loyalty at Petro-Canada, proudly owned by Suncor, Canada’s leading integrated energy company. With nearly 20 years of experience, Mitchell brings a seasoned perspective on how loyalty can transform a commodity-driven industry.  

Overseeing Petro-Points, a program with more than 4 million active members across 1,600 retail fuel locations, she shares insights on the unique dynamics of the Canadian loyalty market. Those include the role of digital innovation in creating seamless experiences, and why value and memorability are central to building stronger customer connections.