Boost your restaurant’s sales and customer loyalty with SMS and WhatsApp marketing. Learn how to craft compelling messages, automate bookings, and drive repeat business using text-based promotions, exclusive deals, and referral programs.

In today’s fast-paced dining landscape, capturing customers’ attention can be a daunting task. Diners are bombarded with ads across social platforms, streaming services, and inboxes, making it increasingly difficult for restaurants to stand out. Yet, there’s a communication channel that cuts through the noise almost instantly: SMS and messaging apps (such as WhatsApp).

Text messages typically boast open rates as high as 98%, often within minutes of receipt. With modern messaging apps, you can layer on multimedia content—like menu photos or short video tours of your dining space—to create a richer, more personal interaction. Better yet, you can respond to questions and take reservations in real time, creating a seamless journey from interest to action.

Consider a real-life style example from a snippet of messages:

“Hello, are we fighting?? It been a while we saw you. Guess what, yam and egg sauce is now available. Try it now. Cheers”

This casual, friendly text both acknowledges a missing customer and introduces an immediate offer—an example of how an authentic, “human” tone can spark renewed interest.

This guide will show you how restaurants can use SMS and messaging to:

• Drive immediate sales (lunch specials, flash discounts, limited-time offers)
• Increase bookings (reservations, VIP events, group visits)
• Enhance retention (loyalty programs, referral codes, personalized offers)

How Restaurants Can Boost Sales with SMS and Messaging Marketing

The Power of WhatsApp in the Restaurant Industry

WhatsApp—used by over 2 billion people globally—lets you do more than just text. You can share pictures of your daily special, offer voice notes from the chef, or even group-message VIP customers with exclusive deals. Some ways to use WhatsApp effectively include:

Reservation Reminders

• Example:

“Hi Sarah! This is a reminder for your reservation at La Bella at 7 PM tonight. Reply YES to confirm or NO to cancel. We look forward to hosting you!”

Daily Specials & Promotions

• Example:

“Hello from Grandma’s Kitchen! Today’s special: 20% off our new veggie burrito. Click here [short link] to order now or reply to reserve a table!”

WhatsApp Groups for VIP Customers

• Create an exclusive group for loyal patrons who get advanced notice on new menu items, special events, or chef’s tasting nights.

When to Use SMS vs. WhatsApp

SMS is universal. Even without smartphone apps or an internet connection, customers can still receive a text. It’s excellent for:

• Broadcast announcements (Flash sales, “Buy one, get one free” codes)
• Time-sensitive confirmations (Takeout and pickup alerts, immediate reservation confirmations)

WhatsApp provides richer media (images, GIFs, videos) and fosters conversational marketing. It’s often better for:

• Personalized interactions (“Would you like to reserve a birthday table? Here’s a short video of our private dining room.”)
• International or group communication where many customers already use WhatsApp as a daily messaging tool

Tip: In many real examples from the message set, short, direct updates—like “Yam and egg sauce is now available. Don’t miss out!”—are ideal for SMS blasts. Longer, interactive campaigns (“Check out our new discount menu; click this link for images!”) fit better on WhatsApp.

Leveraging Messaging for Collateral Services

Restaurants can promote more than just the nightly dinner menu:

• Catering Services
  Send bulk messages about your catering for weddings, corporate events, or family celebrations.
• Private Dining & Event Hosting
  Broadcast availability for holiday parties or business dinners.
• Cooking Classes or Virtual Events
  Host a “cook along with the chef” event, and let subscribers sign up via a direct SMS link.
• Gift Cards
  Promote digital gift cards that recipients can redeem by showing a text or WhatsApp message in-store.

Key SMS and Messaging Strategies to Boost Sales

Exclusive Deals and Limited-Time Offers

People love to feel special. Provide “text-only” deals that expire quickly:

“Flash Sale Alert! Get a free appetizer on orders over $20 for the next 2 hours. Use code QUICKBITES.”

Loyalty Programs

Integrate your loyalty program with SMS updates, letting customers know how many points they have or if they’ve achieved a new tier:

“Hi Michael, you have 150 reward points! Redeem them for a free dessert on your next visit.”

Event Promotion

Advertise live music nights, cooking demos, or holiday parties:

“Join us for live jazz this Friday at 8 PM! Reserve your seat now: [short link].”

Feedback and Reviews

Use short links to request quick reviews:

“Thanks for dining with us! How was your meal? Please rate us here: [short link].”

Personalized Recommendations

Tailor messages based on past orders:

“Hi Sarah, we have a new vegan lasagna on the menu—perfect for your diet preference! Reply YES to order for pickup or NO to see more specials.”

SMS Marketing for Restaurants—A Complete Guide to Customer Engagement

Why SMS Marketing Is Crucial

With SMS boasting open rates near 98%, restaurants can almost guarantee their marketing messages won’t get lost in spam folders or social feeds. Benefits include:

• Timely promotions (immediate lunchtime deals or last-minute dinner offers)
• Better customer relationships (personalized messages that show genuine appreciation)
• Increased sales (urgent calls-to-action often drive immediate conversions)

How to Get Opt-Ins Safely and Legally

You must have explicit consent before sending marketing texts. Strategies include:

• Keyword Signups: “Text JOIN to 12345 to receive weekly deals.”
• In-Store Forms: Let customers fill out a form (digital or paper) consenting to promotional texts.
• Website Pop-Ups: Offer a discount code if visitors enter their phone number and agree to receive SMS messages.

Always be transparent about:

1. Frequency of messages
2. Type of offers (discounts, events, loyalty updates)
3. Opt-Out instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”)

Rewarding Customers for Sharing Personal Info

To build your database, sweeten the deal for diners:

• Instant Discounts: “Sign up for our SMS club and get 15% off your first order!”
• Loyalty Credits: Offer bonus points just for subscribing.
• Freebies: A complimentary appetizer or dessert on the next visit.
• Exclusive Previews: Let SMS subscribers try a new menu item first.

Using QR Codes to Grow Your Subscriber List

A fast-growing trend is to place QR codes on:

• Table Tents: “Scan here to join our SMS list and get a free drink!”
• Receipts and Packaging: Perfect for takeout and delivery orders.
• Event Flyers: Promoting a themed night? Place a “Scan to get updates” code on your poster.

These codes can lead to a mobile-friendly sign-up page or auto-open the phone’s SMS app with a pre-filled message like “JOIN.”

Building a Compliant Subscriber Database

Restaurant owners must:

• Provide proper disclaimers (e.g., “You’ll receive up to 4 messages per month.”)
• Avoid purchased lists (always gather numbers through opt-in)
• Clearly state how to unsubscribe (“Reply STOP to opt-out”)

Strategies to Maintain High Engagement

• Segmented Campaigns: Group your customers by dietary preference (vegan, gluten-free), time of day they typically visit (lunch vs. dinner), or birthday month.
• Frequency Control: Don’t spam. Over-messaging leads to unsubscribes.
• Personalization: Use first names, reflect on past orders, or reference special occasions.

Sample Opt-In and Welcome Flow

• Opt-In Prompt:

Social Post Example: “Craving freebies? Text ‘PIZZA’ to 12345 to join our SMS club and snag a free slice!”

• Confirmation SMS:

“Welcome to FireStone Pizzeria’s SMS list! Enjoy your free slice on your next visit. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

• Follow-Up Incentive:

“Hi [Name], share your birthday here [link] to get a special treat each year!”

Tracking and Measuring Success

Key metrics include:

• Growth in Subscriber Count: Are you adding new contacts consistently?
• Open and Redemption Rates: Did people click your link? Did they redeem the coupon?
• Customer Feedback: Follow up to gauge satisfaction.

The Power of Restaurant Text Messaging—How to Increase Bookings and Retention

Why Text Messaging Holds the Key

• Instant Visibility: Phones are rarely out of reach.
• High Open Rates: Far more likely to be read than an email.
• Personal Touch: A short, warm text can feel more authentic than an ad-laden inbox newsletter.

Strategies to Increase Bookings

Referral Programs via SMS

Turn loyal customers into brand ambassadors:

1. Send a Referral Text: “Refer a friend and both get 10% off!”
2. Track Unique Codes: Assign each subscriber a personal referral code.
3. Offer a Strong Incentive: E.g., free appetizers, double loyalty points, or an entry into a giveaway.

Sample Message:

“Hey [Name]! Love our pasta? Share code ABC123 with a friend and you both get a free appetizer on your next visit!”

Coupons and Special Codes

Coupons delivered by text add immediacy:

• One-Time Use: To prevent over-redemption, tie codes to phone numbers.
• Limited Validity: “Valid for the next 72 hours,” creating urgency.
• Exclusive Offers: “Show code SPRINGSALE for 20% off this weekend!”

Bring-A-Friend Promotions

Entice group dining:

• Group Discounts: “Dine with 3 or more friends and get 15% off!”
• BOGO Specials: “Buy one entrée, get one free for your guest if you arrive before 6 PM!”

Group Bookings

Larger parties mean higher total spend:

• Bulk Booking Discounts: “Book a table for 6+ and automatically get 20% off the entire bill.”
• Corporate Partnerships: Partner with local businesses; text them about team lunches or holiday parties.

Retention Tactics Through Text Messaging

Loyalty Programs

Keeping customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Send text updates on:

• Points Balances: “Hi, you have 120 points. Redeem them for a free dessert on your next visit!”
• Tier Announcements: Motivate customers to climb tiers for bigger rewards.

Exclusive Experiences

Offer unique perks to make customers feel special:

• Chef’s Table Invites: “Join our VIP Chef’s table this Friday. Only 10 seats—reply YES to reserve.”
• Menu Previews: Let top spenders try seasonal dishes before anyone else.

Personalized Messages

Collect birthdays or menu preferences:

• Birthday Text: “Happy Birthday, [Name]! Show this text for a complimentary slice of cake.”
• Taste-Based Alerts: “Love seafood? Our new grilled salmon dish is available tonight!”

Combining SMS with Other Channels

• Social Media: Post mouthwatering dish images on Instagram, then share a code via SMS for immediate redemption.
• Email Follow-Ups: If they haven’t redeemed a text offer, send them an email reminder with an extended deadline.
• Website Pop-Ups: Encourage site visitors to join your SMS list in exchange for a coupon code.

Real Example: One message reference reads, “Valentines is here again, check in at Beverly Hills hotel at a discount rate and get a free drink.” You could mirror this approach by texting your own Valentines promotion at your restaurant—e.g., “Book a romantic dinner with us and get a free bottle of wine. Reply VALENTINE to reserve.”

Best Practices to Maximize Return on Investment (ROI)

1. Timing: Texting at 2 AM is a recipe for unsubscribes. Target mid-morning for lunch offers and late-afternoon for dinner deals.
2. Clarity: Keep messages short and straightforward with a single call-to-action (e.g., “Click here to order” or “Reply YES to book”).
3. Compliance: Always respect opt-out requests. Fines for spam texting can be steep, and customer trust is priceless.
4. Tracking Performance: Use redemption codes or short links (e.g., bit.ly or custom trackers) to see which texts convert best.

Example SMS Campaign Timeline

• Day 1: “Welcome to Our List!” message with a small discount.
• Day 4: Offer a bring-a-friend deal to encourage multiple covers.
• Day 7: Introduce a new seasonal menu item with a coupon code expiring on the weekend.
• Day 10: Follow up with those who haven’t redeemed, offering an exclusive “second-chance” discount.

Corporate Bookings: A Hidden Gem for Retention

Don’t overlook the power of corporate customers:

• Networking Nights: Invite local businesses for a casual meet-and-greet.
• Conference Packages: Offer special lunch/dinner bundles for workshops.
• SMS Invitations: Obtain phone numbers from local offices and text them about your corporate-friendly services.

Practical Use Case: “Lunch & Learn” Corporate SMS Campaign

• Objective: Fill tables during slow weekday lunch hours.
• Approach: Send a text to your subscriber base, partnering with a local business to host a short educational talk or product demo.
• Outcome: Corporations enjoy a team outing, you fill tables off-peak, and new customers discover your menu.

The Retention Feedback Loop

Retention isn’t just about discounts; it’s also about feedback and genuine connection.

Review Prompts:

“Thanks for dining with us! How did we do? Leave a review here: [short link].”

Survey Links:

“Rate our new menu item: 1–5. Your feedback helps us serve you better!”

Automated Upsells:

After they’ve dined, follow up with an offer to try a different cuisine style or a premium dish next time.

Real-Life Example: Boosting Bookings Through Referrals

A local Italian bistro sets up an SMS-based referral system:

• Every time someone dines, they receive a text with a code to share.
• New customers who use the referral code get a free appetizer, and the referrer gets 10 loyalty points.
• Within one month, the restaurant sees a 25% bump in weekday bookings, simply by leveraging text-based referrals.

Whether you’re a cozy mom-and-pop diner or a sprawling multi-location chain, SMS and messaging marketing can be a cornerstone strategy to drive sales, cultivate loyalty, and keep tables filled. By knowing when to use SMS versus WhatsApp, adhering to compliance guidelines, and offering true value (through loyalty programs, personalized deals, or exclusive experiences), restaurants can foster deeper relationships that translate into repeat business.

From quick lunch promos—like “Good afternoon, we have yam and egg sauce now available. Try it now!”—to carefully structured referral campaigns—like “Share code ABC123 and both get a free appetizer!”—the possibilities are virtually endless. A well-timed text does more than just announce an offer: it places your restaurant in your customer’s hand at the very moment they’re deciding what and where to eat.

• Start small: Send a welcome message to new subscribers with a modest discount.
• Stay consistent: Build trust by providing genuinely helpful, relevant offers at a steady cadence.
• Monitor feedback: Keep refining your approach by listening to customers—whether via reviews, poll responses, or direct text replies.

Ultimately, success in SMS marketing for restaurants is about creating a direct, personal connection. Texting is immediate, intimate, and powerful—three qualities that can help turn first-time visitors into lifelong guests. By investing in a thoughtful messaging strategy, you’ll stay top-of-mind in a highly competitive market, ensuring that when that dinner craving hits, your restaurant is the first one your customers think of.