SMS marketing is a powerful tool for restaurants, allowing them to communicate instantly with customers for reservations, promotions, and updates. With 98% SMS open rates and direct reach, restaurant text messaging ensures that your customers receive important information at the right time.
Whether it’s confirming a reservation, sending promotional offers, or updating customers about their order status, SMS can enhance customer experience and boost engagement. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of SMS marketing for restaurants and share free SMS templates that restaurants can use.
For effective restaurant text messaging, always personalize your SMS by including the customer’s name. Keep messages short, engaging, and action-driven with clear CTAs like “Book Now” or “Order Here.”
Why SMS Marketing is Effective for Restaurants?
SMS marketing is highly effective for restaurants because of its immediacy and high engagement rates. Studies show that SMS messages have an open rate of nearly 98%, making them a reliable communication channel for restaurants.
Unlike emails, which often go unread, restaurant messages to customers are read within minutes, ensuring timely interaction. Whether it’s sending reservation confirmations, limited-time offers, or order updates, SMS helps restaurants maintain a direct line of communication with their customers.
Additionally, SMS marketing allows restaurants to personalize their outreach and strengthen customer relationships. A well-crafted restaurant welcome message can make first-time diners feel valued, while targeted restaurant promotion messages can encourage repeat visits. Features like an SMS shared inbox enable restaurant teams to manage conversations efficiently, ensuring seamless customer support and engagement.
Top 19 Restaurant SMS Templates for Every Business Need
The following restaurant SMS templates cover a variety of customer interactions, from reservations and promotions to order updates and engagement messages. Use these ready-made restaurant SMS samples to save time and ensure effective communication with your customers.
Reservation & Booking SMS Templates
Managing restaurant reservations efficiently is crucial for providing excellent customer service. These SMS templates help confirm, remind, and notify customers about their reservations.
Reservation Confirmation
Ensure customers know their reservation is confirmed with a quick SMS.
Hi [Customer Name], your table for [Number of Guests] at [Restaurant Name] is confirmed for [Date & Time]. We look forward to serving you! Reply YES to confirm or call [Phone Number] for changes.
Thank you for booking with [Restaurant Name]! Your reservation for [Number of Guests] on [Date & Time] is confirmed. See you soon! Call [Phone Number] for modifications.
Reservation Reminder
Avoid no-shows by sending a friendly reminder before the reservation.
Reminder: You have a reservation at [Restaurant Name] on [Date & Time] for [Number of Guests]. Please reply YES to confirm or call [Phone Number] to cancel.
We’re excited to see you! Your table at [Restaurant Name] is reserved for [Date & Time]. If you need to make any changes, let us know at [Phone Number].
Waitlist Notification
Notify customers when a table becomes available.
Great news! A table at [Restaurant Name] is now available for you. Please arrive within [Timeframe] to claim your spot. Reply YES to confirm.
Your wait is over! We have a table ready for you at [Restaurant Name]. Please check in within the next [Timeframe]. Let us know if you're on your way!
Execute Successful SMS Marketing Campaigns
Manage every text message from a unified platform for seamless campaign management
Order Updates & Delivery SMS Templates
Keeping customers informed about their orders enhances their dining experience and builds trust. Whether it’s confirming an order or updating them on delivery status, timely restaurant text messaging ensures transparency.
Use these restaurant SMS samples to keep customers engaged and satisfied.
Order Confirmation
Acknowledge customers’ orders with an instant confirmation message.
Thanks for your order, [Customer Name]! We’ve received your order #[Order Number] at [Restaurant Name]. We’ll update you when it’s ready.
Your order from [Restaurant Name] is confirmed! Estimated pickup/delivery time: [Time]. Track your order here: [Link]
Order Ready for Pickup
Notify customers when their order is ready.
Your order #[Order Number] from [Restaurant Name] is ready for pickup! Swing by [Pickup Location] anytime between [Timeframe].
Hot & fresh! Your order is ready for pickup at [Restaurant Name]. Show this message when you arrive: [Order Number].
Delivery Notification
Let customers know when their food is on the way.
Good news! Your order from [Restaurant Name] is out for delivery. Expected arrival: [Time]. Track your order here: [Link].
Your delicious meal from [Restaurant Name] is on its way! Our driver [Driver Name] is en route. Contact [Phone Number] for updates.
Promotional & Discount SMS Templates
Promotions and discounts are excellent ways to attract new customers and encourage repeat visits. Sending targeted restaurant promotion messages helps increase foot traffic and boost sales, especially during off-peak hours. These restaurant SMS samples will help you craft compelling promotional messages.
Flash Sale Alert
Create urgency with a limited-time deal.
Flash Sale Alert! Enjoy [Discount]% off at [Restaurant Name] today only! Order now: [Link] or visit us before [Time].
Hurry! Get a [Deal] at [Restaurant Name] for the next [Hours]. Don’t miss out—order now or dine in! Call [Phone Number] for details.
Happy Hour Promo
Encourage customers to visit during happy hour with a special offer.
It’s Happy Hour at [Restaurant Name]! Enjoy [Drink/Food Deals] from [Start Time] to [End Time]. Bring your friends and let’s unwind!
Happy Hour starts now! Join us at [Restaurant Name] for [Special Offer] until [Time]. Don’t miss out!
Loyalty Discount
Reward loyal customers with an exclusive discount.
Thank you for being a valued guest! Enjoy [Discount]% off your next order at [Restaurant Name]. Use code LOYAL[Number] at checkout.
Exclusive for our VIPs! Get [Discount] off when you dine with us this week. Show this message to redeem. See you soon at [Restaurant Name]!
Loyalty & Reward Program SMS Templates
A strong loyalty program encourages repeat business by rewarding customers for their visits. Sending timely SMS updates about earned points and rewards makes customers feel appreciated and more likely to return. Use these restaurant SMS samples to keep your loyalty members engaged.
Points Earned Notification
Keep customers excited about their growing rewards.
You’ve earned [Points] points at [Restaurant Name]! Keep dining with us to unlock amazing rewards. Check your balance: [Link].
Great news! You now have [Total Points] points in your [Restaurant Name] rewards account. Redeem your rewards on your next visit!
Free Item Reward
Encourage customers to redeem their free reward.
Congrats! You’ve unlocked a FREE [Item] at [Restaurant Name]. Show this message at checkout to enjoy your reward!
Your loyalty pays off! A free [Item] is waiting for you at [Restaurant Name]. Stop by today and treat yourself!
Special Events & Holiday SMS Templates
Promoting special events and holiday offers through SMS is an excellent way to drive traffic to your restaurant. Whether you’re hosting an exclusive event or offering limited-time holiday deals, restaurant text messaging ensures customers don’t miss out. Use these restaurant SMS samples to boost engagement and reservations during key occasions.
Event Invitation
Encourage customers to attend your special events.
You’re invited! Join us at [Restaurant Name] for [Event Name] on [Date & Time]. Enjoy [Special Offer/Live Music]. RSVP now: [Link].
Don’t miss out! [Restaurant Name] is hosting [Event Name] on [Date]. Reserve your table now and enjoy an unforgettable night! Call [Phone Number] to book.
Holiday Special Offer
Entice customers with exclusive holiday deals.
Celebrate the holidays with us! Enjoy [Special Discount] at [Restaurant Name] this [Holiday Name]. Book now: [Link].
Holiday Special Alert! Treat yourself to a festive feast at [Restaurant Name] with our exclusive [Offer]. Available from [Start Date] to [End Date].
Customer Feedback & Review SMS Templates
Collecting feedback is crucial for improving your restaurant’s service and building customer loyalty. Executing an SMS marketing campaign to customers after their visit encourages them to share their experiences. These restaurant SMS samples will help you gather valuable insights and boost your online reputation.
Feedback Request
Request a quick review from recent diners.
Hi [Customer Name], thanks for dining at [Restaurant Name]! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your feedback here: [Link].
Your opinion matters! Let us know how we did at [Restaurant Name] and enjoy [Discount/Free Item] on your next visit. Leave a review: [Link].
Survey Invitation
Encourage customers to participate in a survey for deeper insights.
Help us improve! Take a quick survey about your experience at [Restaurant Name] and get [Incentive]. Start here: [Link].
We value your feedback! Share your thoughts about [Restaurant Name] in our short survey and receive a special thank-you gift. Take the survey: [Link].
Birthday & Anniversary SMS Templates
Celebrating special occasions with customers makes them feel valued and encourages repeat visits. Sending personalized restaurant messages to customers for birthdays and anniversaries strengthens customer relationships while driving sales. Use these restaurant SMS samples to surprise and delight your guests.
Birthday Discount
Offer a special birthday treat to encourage a visit.
Happy Birthday, [Customer Name]! Celebrate your special day at [Restaurant Name] with [Discount/Free Item]. Book now: [Link].
It’s your birthday! Enjoy a complimentary [Item] or [Discount]% off at [Restaurant Name]. Come celebrate with us! Call [Phone Number] to reserve.
Anniversary Celebration Offer
Encourage couples to celebrate their anniversary at your restaurant.
Happy Anniversary! Celebrate your special day with a romantic dinner at [Restaurant Name] and enjoy [Special Offer]. Reserve your table: [Link].
Anniversaries are meant to be celebrated! Book a table at [Restaurant Name] and enjoy a complimentary [Dessert/Drink] on us. Call [Phone Number] to book.
Re-engagement & Win-back SMS Templates
Bringing back inactive customers is just as important as attracting new ones. Sending restaurant SMS samples that remind past guests about your offers can help re-engage them. These messages encourage them to return and enjoy a great dining experience.
Haven’t Seen You in a While
Reconnect with customers who haven’t visited recently.
We miss you, [Customer Name]! Come back to [Restaurant Name] and enjoy [Discount] on your next order. Redeem here: [Link].
It’s been a while! Enjoy a special [Offer] just for you at [Restaurant Name]. Show this message to redeem. Hope to see you soon!
Abandoned Cart Reminder
Encourage customers to complete their online order.
Your order is waiting! Complete your purchase at [Restaurant Name] now and get [Discount/Free Item]. Order here: [Link].
Left something behind? Your favorite meal is still in your cart! Order now and enjoy a special deal: [Link].
How to Automate SMS for Restaurants?
Automation is key to streamlining restaurant communication, ensuring timely responses, and enhancing customer engagement. By leveraging bulk SMS and an SMS shared inbox, restaurants can manage reservations, promotions, and customer inquiries effortlessly. Here’s how companies can automate SMS for their restaurant business.
1. Use Bulk SMS for Mass Messaging
Bulk SMS allows restaurants to send messages to hundreds or thousands of customers simultaneously. Whether it’s a restaurant promotion message, a reservation reminder, or a holiday special offer, bulk SMS ensures timely communication with minimal effort.
- Automated Promotions & Offers: Schedule SMS campaigns for flash sales, happy hour deals, and loyalty rewards.
- Reservation & Order Updates: Automatically send booking confirmations, waitlist notifications, and delivery updates.
- Customer Engagement: Use automated follow-ups for feedback collection and re-engagement.
A major challenge in restaurant text messaging is handling multiple customer interactions efficiently. ControlHippo’s SMS shared inbox centralizes all customer conversations, making it easy for teams to manage messages and respond in real time.
- Unified Inbox: All SMS messages appear in one platform, preventing missed customer queries.
- Team Collaboration: Assign messages to team members, ensuring quick and personalized responses.
- Automation & Integration: Sync ControlHippo with CRM tools to trigger automated SMS.
With bulk SMS and an SMS management tool like ControlHippo, restaurants can improve customer experience, reduce manual work, and boost engagement effortlessly.
Conclusion
SMS marketing is a powerful tool for restaurants, helping them enhance customer engagement, streamline reservations, and drive sales. By using restaurant SMS templates for various scenarios—such as bookings, promotions, and feedback—restaurants can create a seamless communication strategy. Automating SMS with bulk messaging and managing responses using an SMS shared inbox like ControlHippo ensures efficiency and consistency.
Updated : March 7, 2025
Jainy Patel is a content strategist who specializes in omnichannel communication solutions. She develops innovative marketing strategies that unify messaging across various channels, ensuring a consistent and engaging customer journey. Jainy is passionate about optimizing communication processes and crafting targeted content that resonates with audiences at every touchpoint.
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