Foodie Instagrammers can now earn rewards for sharing their obsessions on social media.
Stealz, which recently expanded to Gainesville, is a free app that rewards users for sharing photos of participating businesses.
When making a purchase, users scan a QR code and share photos on Facebook or Twitter and accumulate points to exchange for deals, said spokeswoman Kirsten Kalsky. The app is available for download on the iPhone and Android through the App Store and Google Play.
Rewards from the app vary with each business.
Matt Aschenbrener, manager at How Do You Roll?, said the restaurant offers an instant reward of miso soup for downloading the app and other incentives at 10, 20 and 25 points. Users can earn one point for checking in and two points after sharing a photo on Facebook or Twitter.
Big Lou’s Pizzeria manager Jordan Pfeiffer said customers are taking notice of the app. Rewards at Big Lou’s include a free slice of pizza or six free garlic rolls. When a user reaches 50 points, he or she receives 50 percent off of an order.
Pfeiffer said it is a convenient way for students to save money.
“I think people in our day and age are using smartphones more and more,” she said. “Stealz is a great app, especially in a college town where kids start out kind of broke.”
Other Gainesville businesses covered by the app include Burrito Famous, Pita Pit and Relish.
A version of this story ran on page 4 on 10/28/2013 under the headline "App rewards customers for sharing food"
