Text messaging has transformed the way restaurants connect with customers. From sending exclusive deals to last-minute reservations, text marketing is one of the most effective and direct ways to reach diners. With high engagement rates and a personal touch, text message marketing is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for restaurants looking to stay competitive. Whether you want to increase foot traffic, reduce no-shows, or build customer loyalty, text messaging is the key to driving restaurant success. Let’s discuss the benefits and best practices that will help your restaurant maximize results with text message marketing.
Why Text Message Marketing Works for Restaurants
- Instant Reach – Text Messages have a 98% open rate, ensuring your messages are read within minutes.
- Increases Customer Loyalty – Exclusive offers, birthday discounts, and VIP deals keep diners engaged.
- Boosts Revenue – Promotions and limited-time offers encourage spontaneous visits and drive sales.
- Direct Communication – Unlike emails that often go unread, texts deliver your message right to customers’ phones.
10 Best Practices for Restaurant Text Messaging
1. Keep It Personal and Conversational
Text messages should feel like a friendly invitation rather than a sales pitch. A warm, personalized message resonates more with diners than formal, corporate-sounding texts.
Example:
Too Formal: “Dear customer, we are excited to inform you about our new menu release next week.”
Friendly & Engaging: “Hey [Name], craving something new? 🍽️ Our seasonal menu drops next week—come check it out!”
2. Send Exclusive Offers That Drive Immediate Action
Text marketing is perfect for time-sensitive promotions. Whether it’s a happy hour special or a weekend brunch deal, creating urgency leads to more conversions.
Example:
“Happy Hour Special! Enjoy 2-for-1 cocktails this Friday from 5-7 PM. Show this text to redeem!”
3. Time Your Messages for Maximum Impact
When you send texts is just as important as what you send. Studies show that the best times for restaurant text marketing are:
- Lunch Promotions: 9 AM–12 PM (before lunchtime rush)
- Dinner Specials: 3 PM–5 PM (before evening plans are made)
- Weekend Brunch Reminders: Friday afternoon or Saturday morning
Avoid sending texts too early in the morning or late at night to prevent annoying your subscribers.
4. Keep It Short, Sweet, and Engaging
People don’t want to read long paragraphs on their phones. Keep messages brief, engaging, and straight to the point.
Example:
“Craving pizza? Order now & get 20% off your next takeout! Use code: PIZZA20. [Link]”
5. Reduce No-Shows with Reservation Reminders
Missed reservations can hurt your business. Sending automatic reminders ensures that customers don’t forget their bookings.
Example:
“Reminder: Your table for 2 is booked at 7:30 PM tonight. Reply YES to confirm or call us to reschedule.”
This simple text prevents last-minute cancellations and keeps your tables filled.
6. Use Text Messaging for Loyalty Programs
Customers love rewards! Sending exclusive discounts to loyal diners keeps them coming back.
Example:
“Congrats, [Name]! You’ve earned a FREE dessert with your next meal. Show this text at checkout to claim!”
7. Announce New Menus and Special Events
Use text messaging to generate excitement around new menu launches, live music nights, and exclusive tasting events.
Example:
“Live Music This Saturday! Join us for great food & live jazz at 7 PM. Book your table now! [Link]”
This makes customers feel like VIPs and increases event attendance.
8. Collect Feedback with Post-Visit Surveys
Customer feedback helps restaurants improve. After a visit, send a quick text survey to gather insights.
Example:
“Hi [Name], thanks for dining with us! How was your experience? Reply with a rating from 1-5 or share your thoughts.”
Engaged customers are more likely to return and recommend your restaurant.
9. Make It Easy to Opt-In and Opt-Out
Subscribers must consent to receive text messages. Make the opt-in process easy via:
- Website signup forms
- Tabletop QR codes
- Social media promotions
- Receipts with a “Text to Join” code
And always provide an opt-out option:
“Reply STOP to Unsubscribe”
10. Combine Text Messaging with Email Marketing
Text and email work best together when used strategically:
Use email for long-form updates like newsletters, detailed promotions, or event invitations.
Use text messaging for urgent updates, reminders, and flash deals.
Example:
Email: “Our holiday menu is here! Check it out and book your table.”
Text: “Holiday reservations are filling up fast! Book now before spots run out: [Link]”
By combining both, you ensure maximum customer engagement.
How Restaurants Are Seeing Results with Text Marketing
Text messaging continues to prove its effectiveness as a powerful marketing tool for restaurants, delivering substantial financial benefits.
- High ROI: Businesses report earning an average of $36 for every $1 spent on text campaigns, making it one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies.
- Preferred by Customers: Around 75% of guests prefer receiving promotional messages via text rather than email or social media, ensuring a higher engagement rate.
- Higher Coupon Redemption: Text marketing drives action, with 10% of SMS coupons redeemed—significantly outperforming email promotions.
- Instant Read Rates: With 90% of text messages read within three minutes, restaurants can rely on this method for time-sensitive promotions and urgent updates.
These statistics highlight why text messaging has become an indispensable tool for restaurants looking to increase revenue, improve engagement, and enhance customer loyalty.
Source: https://bloomintelligence.com/blog/sms-marketing-for-restaurants/
Get Started with RevText for Your Restaurant
RevText makes restaurant text marketing simple and effective. Whether you need reservation reminders, loyalty program updates, or instant promotions, RevText helps you connect with customers in real-time.
- Boost reservations.
- Increase engagement.
- Drive more revenue.
Start using RevText today and watch your restaurant thrive!
