As a restaurant owner or marketer, your job is to make sure your tables are full daily. It wouldn’t hurt to have a queue of loyal customers waiting outside your door either.
Whether you are overstocked or have expiring goods, empty tables, or crowded queues, restauranteurs need to be proactive. SMS comes in handy here. Text messages prompt immediate action. While reading the examples below, you might be interested in reading about when is the best time to send an SMS.
Empty Tables
If you’re looking to fill up your restaurant’s empty tables - then look to SMS marketing which encourages fast responses. We recommend a strong incentive, expiration date, and limited supply during your quieter times—which promotes faster action from your customer.
Template #1
Free Appetisers - Teddy’s Bistro
Show this message to your server before 6 PM to receive a free appetiser of your choice. Limit 1 per person.
Opt-out reply STOP
Template #2
$5 Beer - Red’s Pub
We’ve got beers on tap waiting for you. Get a $5 beer with any entree purchase before 7 PM. Limit of 1 per person.
Opt-out reply STOP
Overstock / Expiring goods
If you have overstock or near expiring food items you need to clear, get customers in your restaurant quickly with an SMS promotion. If you run out of overstock, that will open up your current stock. It’s a good problem to have and will get the customer through your doors. Check out some text message templates that can help you clear your overstocked items.
Template #1
$49 Prawn Buffet - Hawkworth’s
For today only, come on in for $49 all-you-can-eat prawn. Get here early before they’re all gone.
Opt-out reply STOP
Template #2
$25 Platters - Blues BBQ
Can’t decide what to eat? Come by, and let us surprise you. Valid for lunch only (12-2pm), limit of 1 per person
Opt-out reply STOP
Template #3
Secret Specials - Sushi Oshi
Be one of the first 20 customers to dine-in, and get 20% off your bill. View menu: TapTh.is/link
Opt-out reply STOP
General Promotions
Depending on what you are advertising, sometimes it doesn’t fall into any particular category. Here are a couple of sample situations, and templates to help inspire your next promotion.
Template #1
*Character count: 142 / 1x SMS
Daily Special - [Company Name]
[Insert Special] - [Price]. Make a reservation at [Website Link] or call [Phone Number]
Opt-out reply STOP
Template #1 Sample Fill
Daily Special - La Foodie
Tandoori roasted king salmon - $25. Make a reservation at TapTh.is/link or call 1-800-222-3333.
Opt-out reply STOP
Template #2
*Character count: 156 / 1x SMS
[Promotion] - [Company Name]
Choose from [Promo Selection] and more at [Website Link]. Valid today until [Time Frame] only.
Opt-out reply STOP
Template #2 Sample Fill
$20 Lunch - Cafe Whoo
Choose from pizzas, prosciutto rolls, spaghetti, and more at TapTh.is/link. Valid today 12 PM - 2 PM only.
Opt-out reply STOP
Template #3
*Character count: 160 / 1x SMS
Happy Birthday [First Name] - [Company Name]
Come by and have a [Incentive] on the house. Bring friends and try our dinner specials: [Website Link]
Opt-out reply STOP
Happy Birthday Josh - Steamies
Come by and have a slice of cake on the house. Bring friends and try our dinner specials: TapTh.is/link
Opt-out reply STOP
Special Offers
Template #1
*Character count: 159 / 1x SMS
Free Valet Day - Tom’s Kitchen
Don’t worry about trying to find a parking spot. Come by tonight, and we will valet your car for free.
Opt-out reply STOP
Template #2
*Character count: 159 / 1x SMS
Fondue? - Xocolat
Show your partner some love by feeding them chocolate berries. 2 for 1 fondue sets from 6 PM - closing (tonight only)
Opt-out reply STOP
If you’re not already a customer, give our online SMS service a try with our 14-day trial. No obligations and no credit card required.
