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Riverside shoppers can earn rewards for holiday gifts and treats by spending at local businesses with new incentive program.
A Riverside rewards app, along with a wintertime Hot Chocolate Trail, launched Wednesday, Dec. 10, as part of the city’s effort to support local businesses during the holiday season.
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A hot chocolate from Qamaria Yemeni Coffee in Riverside is seen on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The cafe is part of the Riverside Hot Chocolate Trail, available through the Open Rewards app, which launched the same day. The holiday initiative supports local businesses, allowing shoppers to earn cash back on purchases at participating coffee shops and other local establishments. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
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A hot chocolate from Qamaria Yemeni Coffee in Riverside is seen on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The cafe is part of the Riverside Hot Chocolate Trail, available through the Open Rewards app, which launched the same day. The holiday initiative supports local businesses, allowing shoppers to earn cash back on purchases at participating coffee shops and other local establishments. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
The Riverside City Council unanimously approved a one-year trial for the program, committing $50,000 to support up to 500 local businesses, with $5,940 going to app software, at its meeting Tuesday, Dec. 9.
“Our businesses are constantly asking how they compete in this digital age,” Councilmember Steven Robillard said at the meeting. “I think this is a creative idea to try and bring more of that local spending home.”
Local shoppers can download the app and earn points on purchases at local coffee shops and other businesses, which can be used for discounts at all businesses in the program. Riverside Rewards, powered by Bludot Technologies, offers local shoppers 5% rewards until December 2026.
The city estimates its $50,000 investment could generate $2.4 million in local spending over a five-year term, according to a city report.
Other cities using the app program have reported success. The city of Orange, for example, invested $40,000 and generated nearly $784,000 in local spending in under a year, according to the city report.
The program focuses on assisting local businesses that are independently owned and operated with fewer than 50 employees. National and regional chains are not included, according to the report.
For the holiday season, there is a Hot Chocolate Trail and in-app Holiday Gift Guide. The trail includes a map with more than 25 coffee shops for shoppers to explore, try seasonal drinks and keep warm.
Participating locations in the Hot Chocolate Trail and gift guide include:
- Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., 1201 University Ave.
- Back to the Grind, 3575 University Ave.
- Magnolia Flowers, 9669 Magnolia Ave.
- House of Cars Hot Wheels Riverside, 7000 Indiana Ave.
- Downtowne Bookstore, 3582 Main St.
- The Rustik Fork, 1355 East Alessandro Blvd,
- Arcade Coffee Roasters, 3672 Chicago Ave.
- Momo Sushi, 9844 Magnolia Ave.
Shoppers can download the Open Rewards App in the Apple Store or Google Play and join Riverside Rewards to start.
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